Magic lantern slides

Q: While cleaning out a storage area, I discovered a large wooden crate of magic lantern slides. They appear to be from the 1920s and promote both businesses and movies from that era. I would like to contact someone to see how much they might be worth. — Susan, Naperville, Ill.

A: Magic lanterns were early slide projectors and extremely popular in the days before motion pictures. I suggest you contact the Magic Lantern Society of the United States and Canada. Sharon Koch is president, and her contact information is 13540 Seabeck Highway, NW, Seabeck, WA 98380; SharonKoch@prodigy.net; www.magiclanternsociety.org.; and (360) 830-5209.

***

Q: Hopefully you can help me find a good, loving home for my mother-in-law’s Blue Ridge china set. It includes all of the pieces, including extra serving bowls, platters, sugar, creamer and even two sets of matching salt and pepper shakers. — Diane, Chicago

A: The hand-painted Blue Ridge china is popular with collectors, especially in the Midwest. One of the better secondary dealers is Linda A. Smith, c/o Granny Smith’s Blue Ridge China Shoppe, 3125 West 6 Mile Road, South Lyon, MI 48179; lsmith3125@aol.com; and (278) 437-0362.

***

Q: We have a beer stein with a pewter-lidded top that was made in Bavaria sometime during the 19th century. Due to no family interest, I need to find a good home for this item. — Don, Canandaigue, N.Y.

A: George Adams is an appraiser who specializes in older beer steins. Write to him c/o Steins Unlimited, Rt. 600 Box 7B, Pamplin, VA 23958. One of the better clubs for collectors is Sun Steiners, P.O. Box 11782, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33339.

***

Q: I have several Cabbage Patch dolls and wonder if they are still collectible. — Betty, Lakewood, Colo.

A: Ann Wilhite is a serious collector and even publishes a newsletter, Cabbage Connection, for others who share her hobby. She can help you establish the value of your dolls. Contact her at 610 West 17th St., Fremont, NE 68025, and (403) 721-0954.