THE COLLECTOR
Dear Collector,
This cookie jar was purchased in Cleveland, Ohio for $2.50 in 1946. What would it be worth?
Your anecdotal timeline is right for this circa 1940s piece from Shawnee Pottery (supposedly named because of an Indian arrowhead found on their site during construction). One of a variety of “Dutch Girl” jars, this particular one lists for well over $100 in price guides. However, its value is considerably less (under $100) when found on the Internet.
Dear Collector,
Here are photos of my war ration booklet and stamps; do they have any value?
So many items (foodstuffs, gasoline, tires, etc.) were in short supply during WWII that rationing was introduced in 1942. There are loads of these documents in existence today, glutting the ephemera market. Value on a near mint book would be only $5. Unlike the U.S., Great Britain committed to an even stricter rationing in 1940, and did not remove the final restraints until 1954.
Dear Collector,
Please tell me the approximate value of the Exakta camera shown in the enclosed photo?
Manufactured in the early 1950s, your German single reflex camera has a potential of almost $75, but only if it’s in extra fine condition.
Dear Collector,
Enclosed are pictures of an 1893 coffee grinder that was passed down in the family over the years. Would you tell me how much it is worth?
Intended for commercial use, probably in a grocery store, your Charles Parker mill still has most of its original paint, making it worth an estimated $500-$700.
Dear Collector,
Is there any value to this carved statue purchased in India about 20 years ago?
The images included in your e-mail show a representation of Lakshmi, the four-armed Hindu goddess of good fortune and wealth. Married to Vishnu, her divinity is proclaimed by the lotus blossom upon which she stands. Since you are unable to provide enough information to help in my research, I cannot give you any further feedback.
Dear Collector,
Here’s a copy of a copper coin we’ve had in our family for awhile. Any info you can give will be appreciated.
The good news is that you have a Polish one grosz (from the Latin ‘grossus’ meaning great) coin dated 1768. The bad news is that it’s worth between $15 and $20.
Dear Collector,
Many years ago I read the autobiography of Gypsy Rose Lee. When I had finished, I had some questions and thought she might give me the answers if I wrote to her. She responded to my note but, alas, she didn’t answer my questions. Can you please let me know if it has any kind of value?
I conducted an informal survey of almost 20 people, ages 10 to 75, and found that only those over 40 remembered Lee (born Rose Louise Hovik in 1911). Stripper, actress and author, her autograph has increased considerably over the last 10 years; currently commanding $150.