Old radios worth much?

Sun., Oct. 23, 2005

Larry Cox King Features Syndicate

Q: I have three old radios: a Zenith Trans Oceanic, an Emerson Model 336 and a Zenith model G-516-Y. Where can I sell them? — Pam, Taunton, Mass.

A: During the 1940s, my grandmother purchased a Zenith Trans Oceanic radio so she could monitor war news, and it remains one of my favorite family heirlooms.

Your radios are all referenced in the guide books that I have, including Collector’s Guide to Antique Radios by John Slusser (Collector Books). I suggest you contact Bruce Mager, who buys, sells, appraises and repairs older radios. Write to him c/o Waves, 251 West 30th St., New York, NY 10001. Two clubs in your region are the New England Antique Radio Club, P.O. Box 201, Spofford, NH 03462; and Connecticut Radio Collectors Club, 563 West Avon Road, Avon, CT 06001.

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Q: I have a 1953 nude calendar of Marilyn Monroe. Where can I find its value? — Pat, Cuero, Texas

A: There were millions of these calendars printed, and they pop up frequently at both antique malls and garage sales. In other words, the value of your calendar is probably much lower than the amount you might be anticipating. With that said, let me recommend two Monroe collectors: Clark Kidder, 3219 East County Road “N,” Milton, WI 53563; and Denis C. Jackson, P.O. Box 6433, Kingman, AZ 86401.

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Q: I have an old medical textbook published in 1928. Where can I sell it? — Connie, Marion, Ill.

A: Most medical books published after about 1900 are of little value to collectors. A group that might be able to help you is the Medical Collectors Association, Montefiore Medical Park, 1695 A Eastchester Road, No. 1695A, Bronx, NY 10461.

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