THE COLLECTOR

Dear Collector: I would like to know about how old this lamp is, and is it worth anything?

On August 25, 1935, aviation pioneers Wiley Post and Will Rogers died in a crash outside Barrow, Alaska. Your white metal lamp, made by the Gibraltar Electric Clock Company of New Jersey, commemorates these two intrepid flyers. I’ve seen a number of these lamps, all having different globes, so I can’t testify that your globe is original. However, even if it’s not, your lamp still has a potential value of almost $1,000.

Dear Collector: How old is the jug shown in these photos? Eichwald, the maker’s name, is in an oval.

Made between the wars in Eichwald, Bohemia (now Duba, Czechoslovakia) by B. Bloch & Co., your pretty porcelain piece is not so much a jug as it is a pitcher.

Dear Collector: I have a $1 Silver Certificate, Series 1957, in very good condition. Please let me know its value.

This was the last time redeemable notes were issued. In near un-circulated shape, your bill would be worth about $5.

Dear Collector: Have you ever seen a pencil sharpener like this?

Patented in 1896, this Planetary Pencil Pointer is listed in one price guide at $75.

Dear Collector: Please tell me something about the artist who painted this landscape. The picture has been in our family for ages, and I’ve always wanted to know who Norman Garstin was.

Along with being a painter, Garstin (1847-1926) was a writer, journalist and one-time diamond miner. Born in Ireland, he studied in Antwerp, Paris and Venice. Later in his career, he lectured and taught art himself. He is a listed artist whose paintings have auctioned for more than $6,000. His daughter, Alethea, was also an artist.

Dear Collector: Enclosed is a photo of the sheet music for “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition;” can you tell me its value?

Published in 1942, this song’s title stems from a remark made by Naval Lt. Howell Forgy, a chaplain aboard the U.S.S. New Orleans, during the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. With words and music by Frank Loesser, your WWII relic is now worth $10.

Dear Collector: I have a Bolsey B2 camera that has to be at least 50 years old. Please give me any info you can.

Based on an earlier 35mm version, this rangefinder model was first offered in 1949, and was in production until 1956. Designed by Jacques Bolsey (a postwar emigrant whose real name was Bolsky or Bogopolsky; depending on which reference you believe), a working example in box with flash and case has a current value of about $125.

Dear Collector: Why is it that one antique is more valuable than another?

I often suggest using the acronym CAR (condition, age, rarity) to help decide value. If you have two of the same items, then the one which is in the best shape generally has the highest value. The older, the better. Uncommon is better than common.