Fast-food toys

Q: I have a small collection of fast-food toys. Are they collectible? — Dorothy, Port Orange, Fla.

A: One of the better references is the Ultimate Price Guide to Fast Food Collectibles by Elizabeth A. Stephan and published by the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Although it appears to be out-of-print, I found used copies available at www.amazon.com.

One of the better dealers specializing in fast-food toys and giveaways is Bob Gobeil, owner of Bobby’s Toys and Collectibles, P.O. Box 1416, Biddleford, ME 04005; bob@bobbystoys.com; and www.bobbystoys.com. Check out his Web site to get a better idea of current values.

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Q: I have two Hummel figurines that I would like to sell. They were made during the 1950s. — Mary, Manchester Center, Vt.

A: Dorothy Dous is president of The Hummel Collectors Club, Inc., and perhaps she can help you. Her contact information is 1261 University Drive, Yardley, PA 19067; customerservice@hummels.com; and www.hummels.com. My favorite price guide is M.I. Hummel: Figurines, Plates, Miniatures & More by Robert L. Miller (Portfolio Press, $24.95). Serious collectors consider this reference, which is updated frequently, the very best.

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Q: I have Star Trek memorabilia that I would like to sell, including a Starship Enterprise telephone still in its original box. — Elisha, Chicago

A: One of the better clubs is Starfleet, 200 Hiawatha Blvd., Oakland, NJ 07436; membership@sfi.org; and www.sfi.org. David Roberts is a dealer who specializes in Star Trek items. His addresses are c/o D&S Sci-Fi Toy World, 4701 NE 72nd Ave., J222, Vancouver, WA 98661; dave@dnstoys.com; and www.dnstoys.com.

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Q: I have a book called “History and Rhymes of the Lost Battalion” by Buck Private McCullum. How much is it worth? — Clarence, Ormond Beach, Fla.

A: I found several copies of your book, published in 1929, for less than $5 each at www.abe.com.