THE COLLECTOR
Dear Collector,
I would like you to appraise this Roseville “818-8” vase so that I may know its value. We’ve had it for about 50 years, and my mother had it for 25 years before that.
I am not an appraiser, but I will quote a “fair market value” of $175-$200 on your circa 1930 vase in the Thorn Apple design.
Dear Collector,
I have an 1893 quarter. Can you tell me what its value is?
With assistance from the clear photos you included, I can tell that this 90 percent silver coin bears no mint mark, which means it was produced in Philadelphia. Right now, your Charles E. Barber designed quarter dollar is worth $7 to $10.
Dear Collector,
My whole family has been trying to run down information on an artist named Geisler; can you help?
Using five major art references, I tracked down over two dozen Geislers. To further research your artist, a first name is needed. I may be able to provide some background if you get back to me with the name and any other facts, such as artwork title, media and style.
Dear Collector,
What do you think this “Jeopardy” game is worth?
Assuming that all the pieces are there and there’s no damage to box or board, this 1964 Milton Bradley game has a high value of $25.
Dear Collector,
I have a small white hand painted porcelain or china plate. Can you tell me what period of time they used “Nippon” instead of Japan?
For the sake of argument, china and porcelain both describe the same vitreous type tableware. For 30 years, starting in 1891, the word Nippon (pronounced in Japanese as Nihon) was the country of origin mark.
Dear Collector,
I found this 33 1/3 record, “John Fitzgerald Kennedy, A Memorial Album,” at a yard sale mixed in with some big band albums. Does it have any value?
Condition is really important in deciding the price of an antique or collectible, and since it seems you don’t have the cover for this 1966 Premier album, it’s only worth a $1 or $2.
Dear Collector,
Will you help me with the date on this Praktica FX-3 camera?
Dating from the 1950s, this German-made 35 mm SLR (single lens reflex) camera has a potential value of $75.
Dear Collector,
I bought this unusual lunchbox for $1 at a local church bazaar. Is it worth more than I paid? Also, how old is it?
Featuring swirls of yellow, orange and hot pink, this domed metal box by Aladdin Industries is evocative of the “Psychedelic ‘60s,” which is when it was made. Listed at more than $300; if you had the matching plastic thermos the value would increase to $400.
Dear Collector,
Where can I buy the match to this clipper ship bookend?
I am willing to answer most questions except how and where readers can buy or sell things.