German music box worth $500 or more

Dear Collector,

We inherited this charming porcelain music box from my dad when he died at age 85. All we know is that he got it from his father. How old do you think it is?

It’s difficult to see the backstamp, but I believe there are two blue crossed arrows under the glaze, along with a mold/design number. If that’s the case, given its history, you have an early 20th century (pre-World War I) piece by Porzellanfabrick Kalk/Eisenberg Special Porcelain VEB, a German maker from the Thuringian city of Eisenberg. You should insure your keepsake for at least $500.

Dear Collector,

I have a November 1938 Reader’s Digest in very good shape. Please tell me its worth?

Originally priced at 25 cents, your magazine is now worth $5 to $10.

Dear Collector,

I have 19 Indian head pennies dated from 1869 to 1908. Are they of any value?

I can provide information only on the two dates you mentioned, as each bronze coin has a different value. Your 1869 is worth $50 (or even higher if the last number in the date has been double-srtuck), and the 1908 is listed at $2 to $50.

Dear Collector,

When was this GE clock made? It’s still running, but we don’t use it anymore.

Your sleek electric Model 4H68 was made in the late 1930s. Its design name is “Tuileries” (perhaps named after the magnificent gardens in Paris). Current value is $100, considerably more than its 1939 sale price of $6.95.

Dear Collector,

My 88-year-old mother gave me these two vases that she got from her grandmother when she was in high school. The only marks I can find are impressed in the bottom and look like “H.A. & C-.” Any idea of origin, age or value?

I will have to dismiss the question on value due to the obvious damage and/or poor repairs done to the pair. Origin is, I think, English, with two candidates from Staffordshire: Harvey Adams & Co. of Longton (1869-1887) and Henry Alcock & Co., Cobridge (1861-1910). My money is on Alcock, who made decorative pieces.

Dear Collector,

As soon as I bought this Popeye doll, I put it away without opening the package. What is it now worth?

Made expressly for Toys “R” Us in either 2000 or 2001, your collectible is much too new for an increase over its primary market price. I comment only on pre-1970 items, which have matured enough to have research resources and a steady secondary market value.

Dear Collector,

Please date and appraise my Typatune toy.

I’m not an appraiser, but I can tell you the current value of your 1930s-‘40s typewriter toy with musical keyboard. Made by Electronic Corp. of America, it’s now worth almost $100, if complete with musical sheets, manual and box.

Dear Collector,

Is a letter signed by Neville Chamberlain worth much?

Chamberlain (1869-1940), was the conservative British prime minister who is often misquoted as saying “Peace in our time,” when the actual words used in his 1938 appeasement speech were “Peace for our time.” His signature sells for $50 to $75.