1875 Magazine has value

Q: What is a Harper’s Bazaar magazine worth from 1875. There are minor tears but the illustrations are bright and clear. — M.J.M., Warwick, R.I.

A: The Antique Trader Vintage Magazines Price Guide, by Richard and Elaine Russell, values Harper Bazaar magazines with hand-colored covers from the 1870s at about $35 per copy.

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Q: Several years ago I inherited my uncle’s record collection, which includes discs from the early years of the last century. Most are opera or classical selections, and some are recorded only on one side of the disc. Is there a market for them? — Jane, via e-mail

A: Probably not. Most acoustical recordings from this period have very little value. For example, there is the mistaken belief that all Caruso recordings on Victor are priceless. They aren’t. In fact, many are only worth a dollar or two each. On the Zonophone label, however, Caruso is worth his weight in gold. I suggest you donate the recordings to a charity.

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Q: I bought a Jadite spice set at a flea market for $10. It was so cheap, I’m having doubts about it being authentic. — Sarah, Phoenix, Ariz.

A: Although only an expert can determine if your Jadite is fake or the real McCoy, this type of pale green opaque glass has been mass-produced in both China and the United States since 1999. You might want to consult the Guide to Fakes & Reproductions by Mark Chervenka, published by KP Books. It has a lengthy chapter, complete with illustrations, documenting Jadite and the reproductions that are flooding marketplaces throughout the country.

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Q: I have several baseballs, some signed by players of the N.Y. Yankees. How can I find out if they are cash or trash? — Sandra, via e-mail

A: James Murphy is an appraiser who specializes in baseball memorabilia. He can determine if your baseballs are valuable, but you should expect to pay him for his services. Write to him in care of Philadelphia Bat Company, P.O. Box 456, 266 West Greenwood Ave., Lansdowne, PA 19050.