Collecting: Crissy dolls
Q: I have five Crissy dolls made during the 1960s. How much are they worth, and where can I sell them? — Nellie, Middleboro, Ky.
A: One of the better price guides is Blue Book: Dolls and Values by Jan Foulke (Hobby House Press). According to this guide, your doll with hair that “grows and grows” was made by the Ideal Toy Company between 1968 and 1974. There are at least a dozen different dolls listed, most ranging from $25 to $50 in original and excellent condition. I suggest you monitor eBay to determine the actual value of your dolls.
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Q: Do you know anyone who buys baseball cards. I have more than 3,000, both American and National League, and would like to sell them. — Faye, Mt. Lake Park, Mo.
A: First, you should determine the value of your cards. The 2007 Standard Catalogue of Baseball Cards, edited by Robert F. Lemke (Krause Publications, $39.99), references more than 15,000 sets issued in its 1,848 pages. Larger than most metro phonebooks, this is the reference used by more collectors than almost any other source. It is certainly worth the investment, especially if you suspect you have rarities.
After you determine values, then contact a dealer. Alan Rosen is one of the larger dealers in America. His contact information is P.O. Box 500, Montvale, NJ 07645; memint@optonline.net; www.mrmint.com; 201-307-0700 and 201-476-0789 (fax).
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Q: I was a Boy Scout during the 1930s and attended many of the jamborees, state meetings and events. I have a large footlocker of uniforms, patches, books and pins. I hate to toss them, and my son isn’t remotely interested. Can you help me? — Steve, Walnut Creek, Calif.
A: Dr. Ron Aldrige is a collector, and he’s especially interested in Order of the Arrow patches. His e-mail address and telephone number are noacman@aol.com, and 940-455-2519 (evenings). Brill Lee is an appraiser who specializes in Scout memorabilia. You might also consult him before you make a decision. Contact him at Brill Lee Appraisal Services, P.O. Box 244, Bellevue, WA 98009; brilllee@hotmail.com; and 425-885-3518.