Picture postcards

Q: I have a cigar box full of picture postcards, mostly from the World War I era. Could you direct me to someone familiar with or interested in them? — June, Howell, Mich.

A: Three of the better postcard clubs are the South Jersey Postcard Club, 303 Forrest Ave., Ambler, PA 19001; The Tucson Postcard Exchange, c/o Joan Gentry, 820 Via Lucitas, Tucson, AZ 85718; and the San Francisco Postcard Club, P.O. Box 621, Penngrove, CA 94941. You can also contact the International Federation of Postcard Dealers for a free list of 300 dealers. Enclose $1 for postage and handling, and mail to P.O. Box 1765, Manassas, VA 20108.

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Q: I have a small collection of 45 rpm records that were purchased by my son during the 1960s. All are in their original wrappers. How can I find out how much they are worth? — Betty, Sarasota, Fla.

A: Although there are at least a dozen price guides, one of the better ones is the Goldmine Price Guide to 45 Rpm Records by Tim Neely, published by KP Books and now in its 5th edition. This hefty book has current information on almost 80,000 45s and should give you a fairly accurate idea of what your records are worth. It retails for $24.99 and can be ordered directly from the publisher, 700 East State St., Iola, WI 54990, or call 1-800-258-0929.

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Q: I have a small vase marked Slama. What can you tell me about it? — Cynthia, San Antonio

A: Not much. According to Kovels’ New Dictionary of Marks: Pottery & Porcelain 1850 to the Present, by Ralph & Terry Kovel (Crown, $17.95), your vase was crafted in Vienna, Austria. Slama & Company was founded in 1868 but most pieces, especially those marked with a stylized “S,” were made after 1955.

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Q: I have a book signed by the famous actor W.C. Fields. Who can I contact about it? — Larry, Wells, Minn.

A: I suggest you write the W.C. Fields Fan Club, P.O. Box 506, Stratford, NJ 08084.