THE COLLECTOR
Dear Collector,
Before I give this “Spectacular Spider-Man” No. 1 comic away, can you tell me if it’s valuable?
The “web slinger” swung into existence in issue No. 15 of “Amazing Fantasy” comic, which means that your 1968 book (actually, it’s termed a magazine) is just one of a slew of Spider-Man spin-offs published by Marvel. While the original 1962 issue is priced at $15,000-$30,000, your later copy is much more modest at $50-$100.
Dear Collector,
We’ve had a 1928 twenty-dollar bill for many, many years. Is it worth more than face value?
Depending on its condition, your Federal Reserve Note could be worth as much $300 or as little as $30.
Dear Collector,
I would like to know if this “I am for McKinley” soap has any value.
Made by Jergen’s for the 1896 presidential campaign, this bar shaped like a naked baby is now worth $100.
Dear Collector,
I have what seems to be a very old painting with the name Penfold on the left-hand bottom. Could you give me some information on this painter?
Frank C. Penfold (1849-1929) was born in New York, but left to work in France, where he was to stay for the majority of his life. Trained by his father, William, who was a portrait painter, Frank excelled in landscape, marine and genre works. Although a listed artist (meaning that his art has been auctioned), not many of his works have appeared on the market. The last piece to sell went for $6,000 in 1998.
Dear Collector,
I have an Elektra EKS-74007 album by the Doors, how old is it?
Your 1967 stereo record lists for $25-$50 according to Tim Neely, who mentions this album in his “Warman’s Records Field Guide” (KP Books, 2005, $12.99).
Dear Collector,
Enclosed are two pictures of an elephant teapot my mother received on her 19th birthday in 1944. The only marking I can find is “USA” on the bottom. Could you tell me who made it?
Your petit pachyderm pot came from Shawnee Pottery of Zanesville, Ohio. Manufactured in at least three colors (blue, white and yellow) some decorated, some unadorned, your keepsake is now worth nearly $175.
Dear Collector,
Do you know what this metal cylinder was used for? On one end it says, “Marble’s, Gladstone, Mich.,” and a patent date of 1900.
Now a noted knife maker, Marble’s at one time also produced firearms and hunting accessories including your matchsafe. An ideal way to keep matches dry; this nickel-plated tube with a screw-on cap is worth about $7-$10.
Dear Collector,
Where can I find old car parts?
On old cars!
Dear Collector,
I was told by a family member that this cup and saucer marked “H. Bros.,” is more than 100 years old; can you confirm this?
Attributed to Humphrey Brothers of Tunstall, your Staffordshire transferware set is in their flow blue “Petunia” pattern. This floral design dates from between 1893 and 1903.