THE COLLECTOR

Dear Collector,
The enclosed pictures are of a coronation mug which belonged to my mother; according to her, every schoolchild in the city of Belfast received one. What can you tell me concerning its possible value?
The maker, Shelley (presently part of Wedgwood), produced this cup for the 1911 coronation of King George V and Queen Mary. Made in great numbers, with slight variations, Shelley would then apply decals identifying the donor. Many counties and towns in the UK established funds for the purchase and distribution of these mugs, a lot of which have survived to this day. Depending on overall condition, value is $50-$70.
Dear Collector,
What do you think this cookbook is worth?
If titles alone determined value, your 1968 edition of “New New Can-Opener Cookbook” is worth the $15 assigned it in one price guide. Author Poppy Cannon originally wrote this culinary guide in 1951, after which it went through a half dozen printings.
Dear Collector,
I have had a Popeye No. 2082 Thermos for over 50 years. Could you tell me what it is worth? It’s yellow, with Popeye, Olive Oyl and other characters from the cartoon.
Back in 1964, King-Seeley Thermos produced a bottle that was included in their Popeye lunchbox that matches the description you gave. I’m sure a closer look will reveal the copyright date. Value, after subtracting a decade, is $50.
Dear Collector,
I think this coin is Irish; it has a harp on it. Is it worth anything?
Your 1936 bronze farthing (quarter part of a penny) is indeed from Ireland, although over there they call it Eire. Current value is $5.
Dear Collector,
This coffee set was a gift from good friends, so we are not interested in its value. But we would like to know how old it is.
Your pot, creamer and sugar with service for six were originally intended for chocolate, but coffee’s OK, too. Attributed to Moritz Zdekauer of Altrohlau, Austria (now Czechoslovakia), your porcelain dates from the late 1880s or early ‘90s.
Dear Collector,
In 1961 my mother received a photo and thank you card signed in ink by President and Mrs. Kennedy. How much are these items worth?
Since Ike’s presidency, an autopen (a device that reproduces signatures) has been used by White House staffers to replicate, in great numbers, signed material by the President and First Lady. Most, if not almost all, JFK autographs were signed by this machine. Handwriting experts can distinguish between authentic and autopen signatures; so, if you feel that your Kennedy memorabilia is the real thing, contact one of these experts.
Dear Collector,
I hope you can put a date and price on the clock in these photos. I think it works, but I don’t want to replace the electric cord until I find out if it’s worth the effort.
Incorporating the boomerang shape popular in the early 1950s, your Telechron “Panorama” was fabricated from walnut, brass and plastic. Original price was $45, which was later reduced to $19 in hopes of moving remaining stock. With new wiring, your clock is worth almost $150.