THE COLLECTOR
Dear Collector,
I would like to ask about this old Royal Bone China cup and saucer that is stamped “Est. $ 1846.” I believe my brother-in-law bought them in Europe while he was serving in WWII.
What appears to be a dollar sign is in reality an entwined double S, the initials for Sampson Smith, a Longton, Staffordshire pottery founded in 1846. Your pieces date from between 1930 and 1940. Compared with similar porcelain items of that time and quality, current value is about $10 per set.
Dear Collector,
I have a “Captain Marvel” wristwatch and don’t know how old it is. Can you place a date on it?
This superhero, created by C.C. Beck and Bill Parker, first appeared in a 1940 Whiz Comic. Your circa 1948 New Haven watch has a potential value of about $500, if it’s in mint condition.
Dear Collector,
Would you please tell me what this 1821 dime is worth?
Called a “Liberty Cap” dime, there were over 1 million silver coins struck that year. Your particular piece is now worth $25-$30.
Dear Collector,
I am sending a copy of the front and back of one of 12 flow-blue plates that I inherited from my mother. What information can you give me?
From the backstamp (manufacturer marks), I can tell you that these earthenware plates are in the “Floris Ligna” pattern of Wallis Gimson, a Staffordshire pottery, who registered this design on June 13, 1883. However, I could not find a reputable pricing source.
Dear Collector,
My grandfather gave me this set of bookends years and years ago. What can you tell me about their age and value?
Made by Bradley and Hubbard, a Connecticut manufacturer founded in 1854, your bronze finished Caryatid (columns in the form of classically-draped females) bookends date from the 1920s, and are now worth $175.
Dear Collector,
What is this 1938 edition of “Trailer Travel” worth today?
This magazine, in publication from 1936 to 1949, touted the romance and adventure of trailering; in those days, a new form of vacationing. Your lightly dog-eared copy is worth $3. Believe it or not, the travel trailers pictured in this mag are now worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Dear Collector,
How old do you think this Shirley Temple doll is? Is it worth more than the $10 I paid?
Your 1936 Eegee “Miss Charming” doll (made to resemble the child star) came from the New York factory of E.G. Goldberger. Even putting its value at a conservative $100, you made quite a good bargain.
Dear Collector,
I’ve been told by some relatives that our Seth Thomas clock dates from before the Civil War. Is this true?
Although this venerable clockmaker was in business decades before the war, it wasn’t until the early part of the 20th century, about 1905-1910, that your “Rio” regulator was produced. If your spring-driven timepiece is in perfect working order, it’s worth $400.