Ticket from World’s Fair not worth much

Dear Collector: I would like to know the value of this ticket?

While it’s still in good condition, this 1964 World’s Fair ticket is now only worth $5-$7 due to the large number available on the market. Antiques and collectibles are just like any other commodity, the more numerous they are, the lower their price.

Dear Collector: Have you ever heard of an Avon bottle shaped like boxing gloves?

Titled “A Winner,” this item appeared in 1960, and is listed in one price guide at $20-$25.

Dear Collector: What is an 1898 quarter worth?

Designed by Charles Barber (and sometimes referred to as a Barber quarter), this 90 per cent silver coin was minted in three locations. The price range for a piece in good to fine condition is $6 to $35. By the way, when it was issued, this quarter would have purchased 10 loaves of bread.

Dear Collector: Please tell us how old our “Big Ben” wind-up alarm clock is?

I refer you to page-137 of “Legged Alarm Clocks” (Schiffer, 2004, $19.95) by Dennis Sagvold. The author puts a patent date of 1914 on your Westclox timepiece.

Dear Collector: We were told that the marking (GMB) on an old plate we have means “German Materials Board”; is that true?

More like “Gladding, McBean” I should think. Makers of famous Franciscan Ware, this California based potter is now a member of Wedgwood Group.

Dear Collector: Does a 1909 “Kellogg’s Funny Jungleland” book have any value?

Yours is the first edition of the cereal maker’s giveaway; making it more valuable than succeeding issues. In very good condition, current value is $40.

Dear Collector: How can I guarantee that you’ll respond to my question in your column?

A Swiss bank account in my name is a starter!

Dear Collector: A year or two ago, you mentioned smoking paraphernalia as a potential hot collectible. After reading that, I began collecting cigarette lighters and now have more than two dozen. Can you help me identify this one?

A British import, your circa 1930 Evans pocket lighter is wrapped in ostrich skin. If you have the original box and paperwork, it could be worth as much as $75.

Dear Collector: Would you consider this radio an antique, or is it a collectible?

Neither, it’s a reproduction made just a few years ago as a marketing ploy to advertise a certain soft drink.

Dear Collector: What’s with these two small teapots we found in the attic; one has a smaller spout than the other?

Hall China of East Liverpool, Ohio, launched its Twin-Tee combination tea and hot water pots in 1926. Decorated in Black Garden pattern, your set is missing the fitted tray which would have put its value at $225.

Dear Collector: What’s the best way to display my collection of vintage casino gambling chips?

Under luck and key?

Recommended reading: “Antique & Contemporary Advertising Memorabilia,” B.J. Summers (Collector Books, 2005, $29.95). “Hollywood Movie Posters: 1914-1990,” Miles D. Barton (Schiffer, 2004, $49.95). “Phonographica, The Early History of Recorded Sound Observed,” Timothy C. Fabrizio & George F. Paul (Schiffer, 2004, $49.95).