Early milk bottle

Q: I have an early milk bottle. Where can I sell it? — Karen, Cheney, Wash.

A: I suggest you contact the National Society of Milk Bottle Collectors, 18 Pond Place, Cos Cob, CT 06807. This club, which focuses on milk and dairy history and related memorabilia, publishes an excellent newsletter for its members, The Milk Route.

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Q: I have a 50-piece set of ruby glass. Several years ago, I was offered $75 per glass, but I want to sell the entire set. Any suggestions? — Marilyn, Sonoma, Calif.

A: Ruby glass is a flashed glass, deeply red in color, and was manufactured by numerous companies beginning during the 1890s and continuing through the 1940s. Although it is sometimes confused with red carnival glass, it is made differently and not the same. Values are tricky. It might be a good idea to consult the numerous price guides available and monitor ruby glass prices on eBay.

Another suggestion is to contact a good appraiser. Although you will pay a nominal fee, you will get an expert’s opinion of what your collection is worth. Karen Rook is a certified appraiser who specializes in glass. Her contact information is 3339 Balsam Drive, Winter Park, FL 32792.

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Q: We have a collection of 78 rpm and LP recordings, mostly classical. Could you provide me with the names of buyers? — Janice, via e-mail

A: I get questions about older recordings at least a dozen times each week, and my answer is always the same: Unless you have real rarities, there is little market for older recordings. I contacted used record dealers in Los Angeles, St. Louis, Dallas and New York, and I was told that it was difficult, if not impossible, to sell classical recordings in the secondary marketplace. You might consider donating your collection to a charity.

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Q: Where can I find out more about the possible value of a Hammacher Schlemmer workbench with wooden vice? — Jo, via e-mail

A: I suggest you contact the company by e-mail at customerservice@hammacher.com. After filling out an online questionnaire, someone from the company will answer your question, if possible.