Collecting: ‘Really old pictures’

Q: I have a couple of really old pictures and would like to find out how much they are worth. Do you know where I can take them? — Ginny, Apopka, Fla.

A: Even though your letter is rather vague, I assume you have older photographs. Some images are quite valuable; others are not. To find out the value of your images, you should consult an expert. Larry Goldheim is an appraiser who specializes in vintage photographs, daguerreotypes, tintypes and stereo views. He might be able to help you. Contact him in care of Be-Hold, Inc., 78 Rockland Ave., Yonkers, NY 10705; behold@be-hold.com; and www.be-hold.com.

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Q: I have some German bonds that are dated 1922 and 1923. I would like to find out if they have any value. — Flora, Meeker, Okla.

A: Dr. Spencer Peck, an appraiser accredited by the American Society of Appraisers, specializes in rare coins, currency and related materials, and he might be able to help you. You should expect to pay a fee for his services. His address is P.O. Box 526, Oldwick, NJ 08858.

Q: I have some old coins from the 1950s and ‘60s, an assortment of Avon bottles and about a dozen Beanie Babies. I am interested in selling them and wonder who I can contact. — Sue, Tulsa, Okla.

A: Unfortunately, you seem to have the trifecta of collectibles that are difficult to sell. Although your coins probably aren’t old or rare enough to be of much interest to a dealer or serious collector, there is a good reference book that should help you determine current values: 2007 North American Coins & Prices edited by David C. Harper and available from KP Books (888-457-2873).The market for Avon bottles is sluggish at best.

I suggest you monitor eBay to see what they are selling for in Internet auctions. Beanie Babies were a fad and in great demand a number of years ago, but as interest waned, prices plunged. They will be extremely difficult to sell.