Hand-decorated porcelain vase worth at least $150 THE COLLECTOR
Dear Collector,
We’ve had this small vase for about 35 years, and before that it belonged to my father, who did business in Japan during the 1930s. I know it was made by Fukagawa, but that’s all I know about it. Can you fill in the blanks?
Located in Arita, the Japanese town long famed for its ceramic wares, the Fukagawa company was founded in the 1890s by Chuji Fukagawa, whose family had been involved with producing porcelain for generations. While it’s difficult to put an exact date on your hand-decorated vase, we can agree that it is at least 70 years old (and maybe even older). Even more difficult is putting a price on it, but a conservative figure would be $150-$200.
Dear Collector,
I found a dark green bottle which has a screw-in top and is embossed with the words “Aachener Kaiserbrunner.” I haven’t been able to find anything like it on the Internet. Could you help?
Once containing mineral water from the “Emperor’s Well at Aachen” (a German spa town on the border of Belgium), you’ll find dates from before the First World War. How it came into your hands is a priceless story, so cash in on it!
Dear Collector,
How much would you say a “Flash Gordon and the Tournaments of Mongo” book is worth?
I assume you mean the 1935 Big Little Book? If that’s what you have, then the listed value range is $25-$110.
Dear Collector,
What is the value of a worn 1832 half dime?
Mintage on this small coin, containing nearly 90 percent silver, was just under 1 million. Bearing a likeness of Liberty on its front (as most denominations have done at one time or another), the reverse shows an eagle and shield. A coin in readable condition is likely to be worth $20-$25.
Dear Collector,
Enclosed are photos of what I believe is an antique cast iron doorstop in the form of some kind of bug with the words “Ye Olde Valley Inn” on its antennas and the date “1738” on its head. My grandfather (my family traces its roots back to Germantown, Pa.) had it for as long as I can remember; could you provide information on this item?
There was an inn by that name on the Lincoln Highway in York County, Pa. Although your cricket bootjack could possibly hold a door open, its real purpose is to assist in removing one’s boots.
Dear Collector,
I recently bought this Beatles movie poster for $25. Did I pay too much?
That’s about right for this lobby card (an 11-by-14-inch photograph) for the 1964 film “A Hard Day’s Night.” While lobby cards are no longer used in the U.S., vintage ones are being reproduced, and it’s sometimes difficult to distinguish the real McCoy.
Dear Collector,
Can you please give me the lowdown on my Charlie McCarthy bank?
The irascible alter ego of ventriloquist Edgar Bergen (actress Candace Bergen’s father), Charlie was the inspiration for a number of collectibles during the 1930s and ‘40s, including at least six banks. Without a photo and further description, I’m at a loss in helping you.