Teapot’s beauty, value don’t match
Dear Collector,
This uniquely painted teapot, part of a three piece set, was my mother-in-law’s. Each piece is marked with a pagoda topped by the words “Gold Castle,” while beneath is “Hand Painted, Chik, USA, Made In Japan.”
Can you tell me anything about its age, history and value?
The pagoda is the castle of Nagoya, the fourth largest city in Japan. Chikusa (it’s easy to read it as you did: Chik, USA) is a ku or ward in Nagoya where your 1950s tea set was made. Attractive as they may be, all three pieces are only worth $30-$45.
Dear Collector,
Please, please, please help me identify the artist of this painting?
Amy Jones (1899-1968), a painter, printmaker and illustrator was born in Buffalo, New York. Jones provided many illustrations for New York area publications. Her works at auction haven’t realized high figures. In fact, of the two latest, one did not sell and the other sold for about $600.
Dear Collector,
I found this coin (with “American Liberty, WM” on one side and “1776” on the other) that belonged to my grandfather.
Could you give me any information on it and how much it is worth?
In 1776, after the Declaration of Independence, the government of New Hampshire authorized William Moulton to produce a limited number of copper coins for local commerce. The good news is the coin is so rare that an original would be of inestimable value. The bad news is your coin is most likely one that was made by a New Haven native in the 1860s. These replicas are worth $50.
Dear Collector,
I have a “World’s Finest Comic” (June #167) starring Batman, Robin the Boy Wonder and Superman. It is in good condition, has it any value?
Published in 1967, this comic has a current value of $3-$5.
Dear Collector,
Is there a difference between silver plate and EPNS?
For the sake of argument, the process of electro-plated nickel silver and silver plate are the same. Both involve a base metal in a chemical bath subjected to an electric current. The science may confuse some (my hand is up), but it has been in use for several centuries, particularly in Sheffield, England, which has become identified with the practice of plating.
Dear Collector,
We wondered if you could tell us the history of this old gun that was given to my father by a 94-year old friend who carried it in his pocket until he died. On the top is engraved “Defender.”
Your photos show a typical 1880s spur trigger pistol (sometimes called a “suicide gun” because the user often accidentally shot himself when trying to get it out of his pocket). Iver Johnson made your .22 caliber revolver, sometimes marketing it as “Defender,” “Eagle” or “Tycoon.” Inexpensive firearms such as these were mass produced by many gun makers in the latter part of the 19th century. Even in good condition, your gun is worth less than $75.