THE COLLECTOR
Dear Collector,
Can you tell me the approximate value of this book?
This is the first edition of “Electric Refrigerator Menus and Recipes” which was published in 1927 to promote General Electric refrigerators. Going through at least five printings, your 144-page culinary hardback was written by Alice Bradley, noted author and head of The Fanny Farmer School of Cookery. Originally selling for just $2, this tome is now worth $40.
Dear Collector,
Does this Elvis Presley pencil have any value?
Similar to the ones made in 1956 under contract with Presley Enterprises, your pencil is probably worth $35, according to one price guide.
Dear Collector,
What is the value of a 1907 nickel in almost perfect condition?
When numismatists use the expressions proof or mint to describe a coin, they mean just that … right from the mint, untouched by human hands. Your perfect Liberty nickel would probably grade far less than mint. In fact, if it was circulated (as is most likely), it would grade as good or very good; which puts its value at $2-$5. A proof coin, on the other hand, is worth over $500.
Dear Collector,
I have a complete Noritake dessert set purchased in Tokyo between 1949 and 1951. On the back it says: “Made in Occupied Japan;” does that make it more valuable?
As a rule of thumb, MOJ wares have a higher collectibility factor than goods marked “Made in Japan.” However, Japanese exports bearing the word “Nippon” have the most value because they predate both of the above backstamps.
Dear Collector,
I found a bunch of old TV Guides in the attic of our new home. This one has Batman on the cover; do you know if it’s worth anything?
Your photo shows the March 26, 1966, edition with Adam West as Batman on the cover. This copy has been reissued recently in a limited and numbered version, including original articles, listings and advertisements. On the face of it, yours appears to be the real McCoy because it has a mailing label, which the reproduction does not. Value on your Bat memento could be as high as $100.
Dear Collector,
I gave up looking for information on the artist James Deering, so decided to write you in hopes of learning more about him. We have an oil painting of a street scene in what looks to be England in the 19th century, signed by Deering.
Research shows a number of Deerings listed (one of whom, John, a Brit, lived during that era), but no James. Unless an artist exhibited, is in a museum or sold at auction, we probably won’t find a bio.
Dear Collector,
While on a trip to England, I bought this small hinged silver box. Oddly enough, the store owner did not speak English, so could not tell me what this item was used for; can you?
At home, ladies of the Georgian era (18th century) wore a chatelaine or ornate chain about their waist from which was suspended keys, scissors, etc. I think your ornate little trinket is a thimble case, which would have been attached to the chatelaine.