Loss of paint lessens bank’s value
Dear Collector,
Enclosed are two pictures of an iron “Speaking Dog” bank that has a patent date of 1885. Money is removed from the bottom by using a key. By pulling a lever at the dog’s hind foot, the money drops into the bank. Who made this bank and what is it worth?
By an act of synchronicity, I bought a reproduction of this bank as a Christmas gift for my daughter, Eleanor. I paid $10, which is about $700 less than the value of yours! Originally intended for girls, and made by Shepard Hardware of Buffalo, N.Y., (which wholesaled them for a little over $13 per dozen), your bank would have a higher value if it didn’t have so much paint loss. An example in mint condition could sell for several thousand dollars.
Dear Collector,
The hat in this photo belonged to my grandfather who was an Army officer in World War II. Inside there is some partial printing: “Camp Bl——- ———.” Does this hat have any value?
Probably purchased in the Camp Blanding (Fla.) exchange, this visor cap has a listed value of $50.
Dear Collector,
I bought this platter because it has the same initials as mine: “HB.” I am very interested in knowing who made it.
Any number of makers used those letters in their backstamps; either impressed or printed. Adding up the design and pattern, I believe the most probable candidate is Hawley Brothers of Northfield Pottery, Yorkshire. The date of manufacture on your charger (a large dish used as a platter) is placed between 1868 and 1903.
Dear Collector,
Ten or 12 years ago, I got this 1892 dime as a gift. While I’m not interested in selling it, I would still like to know its value?
Nicknamed the Barber Dime, after designer Charles E. Barber, your 90 percent silver coin is classical in its concept. Lady Liberty could almost pass for an early Roman emperor, graced with a laurel wreath. When issued, this dime could have purchased three loaves of bread. Today, its value is about $5, enough to buy two loaves of bread. Ah, the good old days!
Dear Collector,
Would you give me an idea of this game’s value? I’m not sure if all the parts are in the box, but the board and box are still in great condition.
Manufactured in 1940 by All-Fair Toys of Churchville, New York, your “Original Game of Zoom” is now worth $40 to $100. In 1930, All-Fair President H.G. Fisher’s attempt to purchase the company failed, so he took on a partner and established Fisher-Price Toys.