Finding an appraiser

Q: I have quite a few things I’d like to sell. Is there a place I can get them individually appraised? — Mary, Salem, Mo.

A: Since you aren’t really near a large city, I suggest you contact Edwin W. Baker, executive vice president of the American Society of Appraisers. He might be able to give you the name of an appraiser near you. The ASA offers a free referral service. Its address and toll-free telephone number are P.O. Box 17265, Washington, DC 20071, and 1-800-272-8258.You should expect to pay a nominal fee for the services of a certified appraiser. Put another way, a free appraisal is generally worth about what it costs.

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Q: I have a number of Shirley Temple items and would like to find out values. Can you help me? — Marie, Bayonet Point, Fla.

A: There are several Shirley Temple reference books for collectors. One of my personal favorites is Shirley Temple: An Identification and Price Guide for Shirley Temple Collectibles by Suzanne Kraus-Mancuso (Hobby House Press, $24.95). It can be found at most larger bookstores or ordered on the Internet. This excellent book has most of the more common Temple collectibles dated and valued.

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Q: I have a blank 5-cent piece that I received in change at the bank. Any value? — Marietta, Gibson City, Ill.

A: You can find the answer in the sixth edition of the Official Price Guide to Mint Errors by Alan Herbert (House of Collectibles, $15). In addition to blanks, this guide has values for other such oddities as coins with split dies, cracked planchets and double strikes.

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Q: We have a large collection of paper napkins from restaurants, airlines and events and wonder if there is a collector who would be interested? — Linda, Ridgecrest, Calif.

A: Moria Jaffee is interested in pre-1950 decorative and commemorative paper napkins. Her addresses are 255 West 88th St., New York, NY 10024; and jaffer@earthlink.net.