Golf equipment

Q: My grandfather and father were both big golf enthusiasts. I have inherited most of their equipment, including bags, clubs, balls, scorecards and even autographs of some of the more famous players. I don’t want to sell this collection, but I would like to have an idea of what it might be worth. — Roger, Spring Branch, Texas

A: There are several excellent price guides available, but my personal favorite is the Official Price Guide to Golf Collectibles by Edward Kiersh (House of Collectibles, $19.95). This guide explains what makes a golf collectible valuable, where the finds are, how to finalize sales, how to buy on the Internet without winding up the rough, and tips on preserving, storing and displaying memorabilia. It is well worth the price and should answer most of your questions.

Remember, however, that a guide is just that — a guide. Prices listed aren’t chiseled in stone and can vary dramatically from region to region.

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Q: I have cobbler equipment that was made in Norway during the 19th century. Where and how can I find out its value? — Jeannie, Menomonie, Wisc.

A: I suggest you contact two shoe museums: The Shoe Museum at Temple University, 8th and Race Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19107; and the Bata Shoe Museum, 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1W7, Canada.

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Q: I would like information on a Wallace Nutting print that I have. It is “Hollyhock Cottage” and is dated 1914. — Mary, Barberton, Ohio

A: You might begin by contacting the Wallace Nutting Collectors Club, 23 Newstar Ridge Road, Sparta, NJ 07871. Michael Ivanovich is a dealer and Wallace Nutting expert. Write to him c/o Ivanovich Antiques, P.O. Box 1536, Doylestown, PA 18901.

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Q: I have several thousand matchbook covers. How can I find out how much they are worth? — Niles, Palmetto, Fla.

A: One of the better reference books is The Matchcover Collector’s Price Guide by Bill Retskin, now in its 2nd edition. You can order it directly from the publisher, ATB Publications, by calling 1-800-334-7165.