Vintage bank short on cash value

Dear Collector,

Enclosed are photos of a bank made by Durable Toy & Novelty. Could you please tell me the value?

Popular during the 1950s, the Uncle Sam register bank’s cash drawer would open automatically when full. There’s even a slot in back for bills. A number of manufacturers produced similar toys, often in a variety of colors: blue, red and black. Unfortunately, this bank will hold more in coins than its current value of about $10.

Dear Collector,

I’ve had this Weller “Forest” vase for more than 60 years. It was given to me by an elderly neighbor when I was a little girl. What can you tell me about it?

Weller, of Zanesville, Ohio, began as a maker of stoneware jars in 1872. In the 1890s it was producing artware pottery. Your late 1920s vase, made in a mold, has the appearance of handwork.

When Weller went out of business in 1948, the molds were employed by another potter whose wares do not have the same value. Because your vase still bears its original paper label, we can rest assured that it’s the real McCoy (pun intended). I’d suggest a conservative value of between $200 and $350, depending on size.

Dear Collector,

I was just wondering if this Elvis poster would be worth anything; I believe I paid $5 for it. It is the concert he had at the Civic Center in Hartford, Conn., five days after he died.

I remember some of the numerous Elvis sightings, but this is the first time he was giving a concert! You paid five bucks, which is what this reproduction poster is worth.

Dear Collector,

Can you tell me if a large copper 1-cent dated 1852 is worth anything?

Lowest value on this coin designed by Christian Gobrecht (who also modeled the silver dollars of that time) is about $20. Again, as I’ve mentioned many times, everything depends on condition.

Dear Collector,

Please let me know the value of this Popeye ruler.

Manufactured in the 1940s by Eagle Pencil, this 7-inch ruler is now worth $5 per inch.

Dear Collector,

About 20 years ago I found two ashtrays under the kitchen sink of an old house I moved into. I would like to know how old they are.

Research shows that themaker, Plymouth Products of Philadelphia, was in operation for a very short time in the late 1950s.

Dear Collector,

Is my Kodak Brownie Target camera worth anything?

Probably dating from the 1940s, this box camera has a value of about $20.

Dear Collector,

What was this Ronson covered bowl used for, and how old is it?

You have a 1920s incense burner valued at $50.

Dear Collector,

My husband found this bottle that once contained Fellows Syrup of Hypophosphites, What was it?

This 19th-century medicine claimed to cure everything from consumption to anemia and influenza. Your small aqua bottle is worth $8.