Collecting
Q: I recently inherited a set of sterling flatware in the Acorn pattern. What can you tell me about it? — Susan, Galveston, Texas
A: I assume the Acorn pattern you have is the one issued by Georg Jensen in 1915. Jensen’s silver business opened in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1904, and it quickly became one of the leading producers of silverware in the world. Look for a wreath topped by a crown with the words “Georg Jensen, Inc.,” his hallmark. An American company, George Jensen, Inc., opened in New York in 1941 but ceased operations about a decade later.
Your pattern is referenced and priced in Warman’s Sterling Silver Flatware: Value and Identification Guide by Mark F. Moran (KP Books, $24.99). The guide features more than 18,000 listings and values supplemented by 1,200 photos along with histories and descriptions. It is the essential guide to prominent smiths, manufacturers and patterns.
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Q: My father recently gave me several old German porcelain coins from the 1940s. Metal was such a precious commodity during the war, the Nazi government stopped making traditional coins and turned, instead, to porcelain. I haven’t been able to find out much about them. Can you help me? — Nancy, Casper, Wyo.
A: Your coins sound quite unusual. Ron Guth is a German coin specialist, and he is especially knowledgeable about porcelain coins. You can contact him at P.O. Box 900, La Jolla, CA 92038; ron@germancoins.com; and 1-619-972-9449.
One of the better reference books is Unusual World Coins by Colin R. Bruce II, edited by Tom Michael and George Cohal (KP Books, $39.99). This comprehensive guide features novel non-circulating coins, including fantasy issues, micro-nation coinage, metallic types and coins of pseudo-{Zcaron}tats. It is highly recommended.
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Q: I have an old sewing machine and have been trying to find out the year it was made. It is a Singer Model No. 66 with a walnut cabinet. — Sam, Lavaca, Ark.
A: Your Singer was made in about 1900 and currently sells in the $250-$375 range depending on condition and accessories.