Maker of Hollywood mug remains a mystery

Dear Collector: I am enclosing a photo of a mug that was probably made in the 1940s or ‘50s. The bottom is marked “Hollywood Mugs by Barclay.” I would appreciate any information you might be able to give?

Portraying Oscar winning (“Going My Way,” 1944) actor Barry Fitzgerald, your mug’s maker remains a mystery to me. An extensive search failed to reveal either Barclay or Hollywood Mugs; which leads me to think that this highly detailed cup is an import, perhaps from Japan. If it’s truly vintage (1950s or earlier), then its value could well be several hundred dollars.

Dear Collector: Does this old two dollar bill have any value? It was in my grandmother’s possession for nearly a hundred years before I inherited it.

Your large-size 1891 silver certificate (originally redeemable for silver) bears the likeness of Secretary of the Treasury William Windom (great-grandfather of actor William Windom). This note’s good condition can be attributed to the fact that it had only one owner for the majority of its existence, which is why it is now worth about $800.

Dear Collector: My mother told me she played this game as a kid, and her mother saved it for her. All the pieces and paperwork are still in the box, including the directions. She would like to know if it is worth anything.

A nursery rhyme-based board game, “A Frog He Would A-Wooing Go” was made by National Games, Inc. in the 1950s. Current value on your copy is $50.

Dear Collector: Does this Kodak Flashfun camera have any value? How old is it?

Due to its styling, this was a very popular camera when it was first marketed in 1961. However, like many other bestselling cameras, it has not seen a large increase in value over the years. I found this model listed for $15-$25 in one price guide.

Dear Collector: Was there an English pottery run by a man named Mayer? I have one of his platters, and want to know how old it is.

Unfortunately for the purposes of nailing down the age of your platter, there were more Mayer potteries than you could shake a stick at! Staffordshire brothers Thomas, John and Joseph teamed up with each other, and other non-family partners, in at least a half dozen ventures, all having Mayer in their company’s name. My advice is, pick a Mayer and stick with him.

Dear Collector: I have a metal bank in the shape of a Boston terrier with a red bow around his neck that is approximately 62 years old. What would this little bank be worth on today’s market?

If it’s marked “Hubley,” then we’re talking more than $200.

Dear Collector: Can you identify the maker and date of manufacture of this old clock?

Your mantel clock was made in 1886 by Ansonia. One of three patterns they called “Timbrel” (which is defined in the dictionary as a small drum or tambourine), this timepiece, in working order, could have a value as high as $400.

Dear Collector: Why do you never mention “Lord of the Rings” collectibles in your column?

Too new.

Dear Collector: How many books are there on tea cozies?

Too few.