Vase probably from 19th century
Dear Collector: This “Turn Teplitz” vase has been in my husband’s family for almost a century. It is also marked with the initials “RS & K.”
Now in the Czech Republic, the Teplitz province of what was called Bohemia had a number of potters including Reissner, Stellmacher & Kessel, who operated the noted Amphora Works located in the city of Turn. Your art nouveau vase, now worth $300-$400, probably dates from the last decade of the 19th century.
Dear Collector: I would like to know the value of a series 1928 $100 gold certificate?
Originally redeemable in gold (just as silver certificates could be traded for their value in silver); this bill bearing the likeness of Benjamin Franklin is now worth about $150.
Dear Collector: My wife bought me this “Wff ‘N Proof” game in 1966 but I found it very difficult to play, so I put it down the cellar. Outside of missing one piece, it is still in good condition. Can I buy a car with it?
Developed by an academician to promote accelerated learning, this game employing logic in problem solving was just one in a series: the others being math and science. Categorically complex for the layman, these puzzlers are still popular with Mensa members, who may pay as much as $15 for a vintage game.
Dear Collector: How much do you think this Colonel Sanders bank is worth?
I was lucky enough to find your circa 1965 plastic bank from Kentucky Fried Chicken (that’s way before they changed their name to KFC) in “Toys & Prices 2005” (Krause, 2004, $19.99) edited by Karen O’Brien. Price is listed at $15 for an example in used condition.
Dear Collector: These extraordinary little seahorse salt and pepper shakers were my mother’s; she bought them in the late 1940s. I think there is “SB” or “SP” marked on the bottom. Who made them?
Claire Stewart, a Californian operating under the name Sorcha Boru, manufactured ceramics during the war years and beyond. Your set of small porcelain figures is now worth $50.
Dear Collector: I believe this wire mesh gadget with a long handle was used to cook or fry food; am I right?
Called a “soap saver,” this dishwashing contraption holding soap scraps was waggled rapidly in water, producing suds. Common household items in Victorian times, they have since gone the way of the buggy whip, bonbonniere and bustle.
Dear Collector: What’s the best way to research my antique Barbie?
Other than a few exceptions (and Barbies don’t fall into those categories) items must be 100 years old before they are considered antiques. So, you have to be patient and wait another thirty-odd years before your doll becomes eligible.
Dear Collector: I need your expertise in estimating the value of our “Sun Crest” thermometer?
Your 1950s relic, a bottle-shaped advertising promotional for this orange flavored soft drink, could be worth as much as $225, if there’s no damage.
Recommended reading: “Standard Catalog of John Deere Tractors: 1917-1972,” Robert Pripps & Andrew Morland (Krause, 2004, $24.99). “Field Guide to Fishing Lures,” Russell E. Lewis (Collector Books, 2005, $16.95). “American Premium Guide to Knives & Razors,” Jim Sargent (Krause, 2004, $24.99).