Basic info needed to determine worth

Sun., March 26, 2006

Larry Cox King Features Syndicate

COLLECTING

Q: I was recently given a Wells Fargo belt buckle that is identified as being made by Tiffany and Company. What can you tell me about it? — Keith, Crescent Valley, B.C., Canada

A: According to the Antique Trader Guide to Fakes & Reproductions by Mark Chervenka, your belt buckle is a knock-off and was probably made during the 1960s. In addition to Wells Fargo buckles, others were also issued, including ones featuring such highly collectible names as Winchester, Coca-Cola and Abraham Lincoln.

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Q: I have a Japanese tea set that has more than 50 pieces. It is pre-occupation. What is it worth? — Joyce, Victoria, Texas

A: Your question is much like someone asking me what a car is worth. If the car is a 1935 Packard, it is probably worth major bucks. On the other hand, if it is a Yugo, it’s likely not worth much. Identification marks on porcelain identify both the maker and sometimes the period it was crafted. This is its pedigree, and without this basic information it is impossible to determine much about your set.

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Q: I have 10 notary public certificates issued between 1891 and 1927. All have official seals and are signed by both Washington governors and secretaries of state. Who can I contact to see if they have any historic value. — Sallie, Colbert, Wash.

A: There are two sources that might be helpful. I suggest you contact the Washington State Museum, 211 West 21st Ave., Olympia, WA 98501, and the Washington State Historical Society, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA 98402.

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Q: I have a copy of “Field Cover and Trap Shooting” by A.H. Bogardus, champion wing shot of the world when the book was published in 1891. It must be valuable, and I would like to find out. — Cleta, Heath, Texas

A: Ron Willoughby is a serious collector and might be able to help you. His address is 2281 Lime Kiln Road, North Haverhill, NH 03774. For a second opinion, contact sports book dealer David F. Foley, 76 Bonny View Road, West Hartford, CT 06107.

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