Collecting: Hot Wheels

Q: I have a small collection of 12 Hot Wheels. Even though I don’t want to sell any of them, I would like to find out how much they are worth. Can you recommend a good price guide? — Kirk, Miami, Fla.

A: Although there are several good guides, my personal favorite is the uber-friendly Warman’s Companion Hot Wheels, by Michael Zarnock. It includes design history, identification details and up-to-date values. There are more than 500 color photos in the guide, which retails for $17.99. It can be ordered from the publisher, Krause Publications, 1-888-457-2873.

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Q: I have a collection of thimbles, some extremely old. I would like to try and find out their value, but can’t seem to find anyone with expertise in this field of collecting. — Margaret, New York

A: Jina Samulka is the contact person for the Empire State Thimble Collectors, 316 Parkwood Road, Vestal, NY 13850. A second source is the Thimble Guild, P.O. Box 381807, Duncanville, TX 381807.

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Q: I have a soda-can collection from the 1970s. There are about 250 cans in the collection. Who can I contact to sell it? — Alice, via e-mail

A: Rick Simmons is director of the National Soda Can Collectors and might be able to help you liquidate your collection. His contact information is 19201 Sherwood Green Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20879; and cokecans@aol.com. The club publishes an excellent newsletter for members, Can-O-Gram. Two of the better reference books are Soda Pop Collectibles Price Guide and Warman’s Coca-Cola Collectibles, both by Allan Petretti and both published by Krause Publications.

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Q: I purchased an elaborate Oriental chess box at an estate sale. It is trimmed in ivory and literally breathtaking. Where can I get it appraised? — Larry, via e-mail

A: M.J. Halper is an Oriental art expert and can appraise your chess box for a fee. His telephone number in Tucson, Ariz., is (520) 323-6250.