Unique ice cream disher is a financial treat for its lucky owner

Dear Collector: I would like to know the value of this ice cream sandwich maker?

Aficionados of all things ice cream call your circa 1930 Polar-Pak utensil a “disher.” Thrust into a tub of your favorite flavor, the unusual shape and mechanism allows it to extract a slab, instead of the traditional ball-shape; perfect for making an ice cream sandwich. Because it’s not your run-of-the-mill scoop, I’d say it’s worth more than $300.

Dear Collector: I would like to know the value of my Madame Alexander “Elise” doll?

Your 16-inch hard plastic model was in production from 1957 to 1964. Available in a variety of outfits, Elise’s value ranges from a low of $100 to well over $350, depending on condition and type of clothing.

Dear Collector: I have an 1849 German coin; could you tell me its value?

Germany, at the time this half-gulden was minted, was a confederation of states, including Frankfurt, the city which produced your silver coin. Current value is $100.

Dear Collector: Have you ever heard of an English porcelain maker by the name of Challinor? I have a platter with their mark and want to know how old it is.

That name was used by four incarnations of the same Staffordshire pottery, which made ironstone ware, not porcelain. Earliest use of their mark was in 1843.

Dear Collector: I’ve got a 1958 copy of “The Ring” magazine. What is it worth?

First published in 1922, this periodical is still on the stands today. Your copy could be worth as much as $20, if the cover illustration is that of a famous boxer.

Dear Collector: My mother’s “Humpty Dumpty” cookie jar, shown in the enclosed photos, has got to be almost 50 years old.

Brush, a Roseville, Ohio, pottery is responsible for the 1956 cookie jar, which is now valued at $250.

Dear Collector: Back in 1933, my father met comedian Stan Laurel during a studio tour. When asked to sign an autograph book, Laurel asked him to wait, and then disappeared for a bit. When he came back, he had his partner, Oliver Hardy, in tow. Both of these famous men took time from their busy day to pose for a photo and sign my father’s book. What would you say this signed page is worth?

The story is worth a million, the autographs around $500-$700.

Dear Collector: I have record albums dating from 1970 to 1980; a collection of Beanie Babies; 1970s Matchbox cars; and some Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Could you please tell me how I can sell them?

This column is dedicated to vintage items, made before 1970. All of the collectibles mentioned in your letter fall into the category I call “not now.” I never give advice on selling and buying, except in the case of donations and contributions to nonprofit organizations.