Fiesta Ware

Q: I have inherited a large collection of Fiesta Ware. Most of the pieces were originally purchased by my mother during the 1940s when she first set up housekeeping. Is there a reference book you can recommend that will help me establish accurate values for the various pieces? — Susan, St. Louis

A: Warman’s Fiesta Ware: Identification and Price Guide by Mark F. Moran (Krause Publications, $24.99) is one of the better guides. It has more than 500 photos of Fiesta Ware with accurate information about dates of production and fair market values.

Incidentally, Fiesta dinnerware was introduced in 1936 by the Homer Laughlin Company of Newell, W.Va. After being discontinued in 1973, it was reintroduced in 1986. Collectors should educate themselves so they can sort out the original issues from the later ones.

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Q: I have an unusual string instrument that is a combination ukelele/violin. It is called a ukelin and was distributed by the International Musical Society of Hoboken, N.J. How can I find out its value? — Esther, Menomonie, Wisc.

A: Paul Blementritt is the owner of The Folk Shop in Tucson, Ariz., and is an expert in the field of acoustical instruments. He assured me he can help you both date and establish a value for your ukelin. Contact him at 2525 North Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719; and 1-520-881-7147.

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Q: I have a third edition of “Theodore Roosevelt’s Letters to His Children,” which was edited by Joseph Bucklin Bishop in 1919. I also have a copy of one of these letters dated June 22, 1904, on White House stationery. Any value? — Janet, Palm Coast, Fla.

A: According to the 13th edition of Huxford’s Old Book Value Guide, a first edition is worth approximately $15. I am unclear about the letter. Is it autographed by Theodore Roosevelt or merely a copy of one of the letters? If it was signed by Roosevelt, I suggest you contact a competent expert. Two I highly recommend are Kenneth Rendell, 989 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10021; and Keya Gallery, P.O. Box 7412, New York, NY 10116.