Toy trike carries plenty of value

Dear Collector: This toy belonged to my grandmother who was born in 1912. I am wondering what the approximate value might be?

Among the many famous tin toy makers of the pre-WWI years (Lehmann, Chein, Marx, etc.), Walter Stock of Solingen, Germany, is perhaps the least known nowadays. In operation from about 1905 to the 1930s, Stock produced quality lithographed toys including your circa 1910 wind-up trike. In working order, this vintage plaything could be worth more than $300.

Dear Collector: I have a large oil painting by Harriet Beecher Stowe; does it have any value?

Stowe (1811-1896) is, of course, more famous for her writing (“Uncle Tom’s Cabin”), than for her landscapes. According to Davenport’s, a major art reference, prices on her works range from $500 to $900.

Dear Collector: Can you give me the value on this 1923 $1 Silver Certificate?

A bit larger than present day notes, this bill has a current value of $10 in its used condition.

Dear Collector: Can you give me any information on this old ceramic whiskey jug which, as the story goes, dates to 1844 when it was bought in Ohio?

The saga of “Meredith’s Diamond Club Pure Rye Whiskey” is based on a marriage of convenience; in this case between Knowles, Taylor & Knowles pottery of East Liverpool, Ohio, and a former laborer in that establishment, G.W. Meredith. In 1890, when the distillery was established, K,T&K was the largest potter in America, so it was only natural that they combine their respective products. Now that you know the jug isn’t as old as you thought, you’ll have to amend your family’s story a bit so that it fits the facts.

Dear Collector: Are you able to put a date and value on this revolver?

From the photos you sent along, I’d say your firearm is a circa 1880s Duplex model from the Osgood Gun Works of Norwich, Conn. Approximate value is $150 for a gun in fair condition.

Dear Collector: What’s the value of a 1965 Jack Kemp Topps football card?

After a 13-year career as a quarterback, Kemp entered Congress, after which he served as Secretary of HUD. Your near mint card is listed in one price guide at $150.

Dear Collector: We’ve a platter marked “Goodfellow Ironstone”; how old is it?

Located in Tunstall (one of Staffordshire’s famous pottery towns), Thomas Goodfellow had a factory at Phoenix Works in the 1850s when your piece was made.

Dear Collector: I found this “I Like Ike” license plate in a mixed box lot I won at auction for $14. Was this a bargain?

Probably dating from his first campaign in 1952, this red on white tag is now worth at least $30.

Dear Collector: Since you are “The Collector,” what is it you collect?

Dust, if I stay too long in one place!

Recommended reading: “Standard Catalog of Farm Toys” edited by Kathy O’Brien (Krause, 2005, $29.99). “Coro Jewelry,” Marcia “Sparkles” Brown (Collector Books, 2005, $29.95). “Antique Trader Black Americana Price Guide” edited by Kyle Husfloen (Krause, 2005, $22.99).