Pittsburgh Glass tumbler
Q: I have a tumbler that was made with Pittsburgh Glass. I have been told that it is quite early. I love the tumbler and want to learn more about this type of glass. — Susan, Naperville, Ill.
A: According to the 20th edition of Schroeder’s Antiques Price Guide, window glass and hollow ware were being produced in the Pittsburgh area as early as 1797. Coal was used instead of wood to fire the large glass furnaces. At one time, more than 150 glass companies flourished in the region. During the Victorian era, dozens of free-blown, pattern-molded and flint glass were produced. I suspect your tumbler was probably made sometime during the late 19th to early 20th centuries. One of my favorite reference books is Glass A-Z by David Shotwell (KP Books, $24.95).
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Q: I have a “Skipper” Wyer-Swiss pocket watch from the 1950s. I have been offered $250 for it and wonder if I should sell it. — Steve, Jackson, Miss.
A: According to 100 Years of Vintage Watches by Dean Judy, your watch, in a chrome case, is valued $75-$150. My advice is to take the money and run.
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Q: I love to gather arrowheads on our family farm in Oklahoma. Can you recommend a good reference book for me? — Clay, Roland, Okla.
A: The Official Overstreet Indian Arrowheads: Identification and Price Guide by Robert M. Overstreet, now in its seventh edition, features more than 8,000 actual-size photographs, many in full-color. There is a guide on how to buy authentic relics, tips on grading and thousands of new illustrations of points, both common and scarce. It can be purchased at most larger bookstores or through Gemstone Publishing, Inc. and its toll-free telephone number: 1-888-375-9800.
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Q: Is there a club for Occupied Japan items? — Betty, Little Rock, Ark.
A: Florence Archambault is president of the Occupied Japan Club, Inc., 29 Freeborn St., Newport, RI 02840. The club publishes a newsletter, Upside Down World of an OJ Collector. One of the better reference books about OJ items is Occupied Japan Collectibles: Identification and Price Guide, by Gene Florence (Collector Books, $24.95).