Wedgewood pitcher from ‘40s
Dear Collector,
I have no idea of the value or age of this pitcher left to me by my father. It appears to be a shimmery fuchsia and unlike any color that I have seen by Wedgwood.
Wedgwood it is, manufactured in the 1940s at their Barlaston pottery. The decoration is done in a purple luster (the Brits, who perfected the process in the early 18th century, spell it luster), which is an application of oxides, chlorides and other preparations that upon firing leave behind a thin metallic coating. Your keepsake should have high sentimental merit because it came down through your family. As to monetary worth, that’s about $20-$25.
Dear Collector,
Please tell me the age and value of this Model VV-IX Victrola?
The patent date is 1904, but your table-top machine has a serial number showing it was made in 1919, which puts it about halfway through this model’s production run: 1911-1926. A phonograph such as this, in working order, could be replaced for $150 or $200.
Dear Collector,
Have you ever heard of Eton China? I have a beautiful vase with gold inlay and can’t seem to find any information about this company.
The only thing I could come up with is De Lite Manufacturing Co. of New York City, which imported or decorated a line of pottery marked Eton in the early 1940s.
Dear Collector,
Enclosed find photo of old Buddy Holly record. I don’t have a record player anymore, so haven’t listened to it in years.
Since your 1958 Coral 45 rpm of “Rave On/Take Your Time” looks to be in very good condition, its value is about $25; so says Tim Neely, author of “Goldmine Standard Catalog of American Records: 1950-1975” (Krause, 2004, $34.99).
Dear Collector,
I have a tin Red Rose Tea sign that I am curious about; it’s really narrow and long.
Sounds like a door push to me. It should read “Red Rose Tea is Good Tea.” If that’s what it says, then the current value is $60.
Dear Collector,
Is a Bell & Howell Two Twenty movie camera worth anything? We no longer have the manual or case.
This wind-up 8mm with metal body and single lens is probably from the 1950s. Due to the large number of surviving cameras, yours is only worth $15-$25.
Dear Collector,
Can you give us the date this bank was made? And what it’s now worth?
Yours is the junior size of the Junior Register made by J. & E. Stevens in the 1920s. Made in the shape of an old-fashioned cash register with a locking cash drawer, collectors call this a “still” or penny bank. Value is $185, according to one price guide.
Dear Collector,
What’s the story behind this small gun that has four stacked barrels?
Your circa 1910 Reform Pistol comes the Germany factory of August Schuler, located in Suhl. Chambered in .25 caliber, this double-action pocket piece has a listed value of between $475 (very good condition) and $175 (poor condition).