1890s fruit jars

Sun., Sept. 10, 2006

Larry Cox King Features Syndicate

Q: I have a box of fruit jars that are mostly from the 1890s, including ones manufactured by Gem, Daisy, Norge, Selco and B&B. Is there a price guide so I can determine how much mine are worth? — Sean, Pueblo, Colo.

A: One of the better guides is 1000 Fruit Jars: Priced and Illustrated by Bill Schroeder (Collector Books, $5.95). This is the guide I use when I see older fruit jars at estate sales and flea markets. In addition to the guide, there is an active club, the Midwest Antique Fruit Jar and Bottle Club, P.O. Box 38, Flat Rock, IA 47234. Tom Caniff edits the Fruit Jar News, an excellent newsletter for collectors. His address is 1223 Oak Grove Ave., Steubenville, OH 43952.

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Q: I am the owner of six sketches of celebrities from the 1970s, including John Wayne, Elvis and James Cagney. All are signed F. or A. Tillman. I’ve had these sketches for more than 30 years and am curious about what they might be worth. — B.E.B., Crossville, Tenn.

A: I’m not quite certain if you have original sketches or published copies. A quick check of my reference books failed to reveal any information about an artist named either F. or A. Tillman. I recommend you contact an expert. One of the premier online art appraisal services is AsktheAppraiser.com. All appraisals from this service comply with the uniform standards of professional appraisal practice. The contact information is 4 Brussels St., Worchester, MA 01610, www.AsktheAppraiser.com, and (781) 821-0199.

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Q: I have some early golf clubs and am curious about how much they might be worth. — Don, Livermore, Colo.

A: One of the better price guides is the Official Price Guide to Golf Collectibles by Edward Kiersh (House of Collectibles, $19.95). This comprehensive guide slices its way through all things golf, including what makes a golf collectible valuable and where and how to finalize sales. It is available at most larger bookstores or online at www.houseofcollectibles.com.

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