THE COLLECTOR
Dear Collector,
This clock was picked up from the town dump in 1950. It was rained on and the tin face became rusty, but it continues to run. What can you tell me about it?
The product it promotes, “Nine O’clock Washing-Tea,” was a laundry powder popular in the late 1800s that promised to have your washing done in time for morning tea at nine; and this in the day of tub and corrugated washboard! Recently, a similar regulator clock sold on eBay, the Internet auction site, for $300.
Dear Collector,
Can you tell me the value of a dollar bill issued in 1891 that has Martha Washington on it; the only woman whose portrait has ever appeared on U.S. currency?
Allegorical females representing Liberty, Industry, Science, etc. have turned up on our paper money since the earliest times, but only one historical woman, Martha Washington, has ever received top billing; and this more than once (1889, 1891 and 1896). Your large-sized note with small red seal has a potential value of almost $100, depending on condition.
Dear Collector,
Could you please tell me the value of this antique Lane chest?
I called the Lane Corp., and they told me the serial number indicates it was made on March 5, 1914, but could not tell me the value.
I can’t tell you the value either; there are no price guides available for Lane chests. I can tell you it’s no antique. Remember, an antique must be 100 years old.
Dear Collector,
I would like to know the date this Atwater Kent model No, 70 radio was made?
Housed in a wood lowboy console, your eight tube radio rolled off the maker’s Philadelphia assembly line in 1930.
Dear Collector,
I got this Tom Corbet, Space Cadet ring from a cereal box when I was a child. Is it a collectible?
Based on a 1948 Robert Heinlein sci-fi book, this TV show first appeared on CBS in 1950. Your ring, a circa 1952 premium from Kellogg’s Pep Whole Wheat Flakes (The Solar Cereal), is now worth about $50.
Dear Collector,
Enclosed is a photo of a 5 lb. can of Civil Defense survival biscuits carrying a date of February 1962 that was found in an old mine in Arizona; can you tell me what its worth?
By the height of the Cold War in the 1960s, shelters had been established in literally every city and town in the country. These havens were stocked with food, water, medicine and other necessities. Perhaps worth $10-$15, the true value of your unopened (and apparently in great condition) tin lies in its history.
Dear Collector,
I came across this old Collier’s magazine that my mother saved, and wonder if it has any value?
Founded in 1905 this weekly periodical would run for only two more years after your 1955 issue. Current value is between $2 and $5.
Dear Collector,
During a house fire we lost some documents that had been in our family for more than 200 years. Please urge your readers to store their valuables in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box.
Advice well taken!