Dish’s history a mystery to reader
Dear Collector,
This two-sided plate/bowl was given to me years ago. On the back is an eagle with “C.T.”; what is the value and history of this piece?
The backstamp you describe is that of C. Tielsch and Co., a German porcelain maker that was headquartered in Altwasser (now Walbrzych, Poland). A success right off the bat, Tielsch offered numerous products from commercial pieces to household items. Most references list this mark as being used before 1934.
Dear Collector,
In an earlier column you answered a question on a Better Little Book named “Kayo and Moon Mullins and the One Man Gang.” I have this book in very good condition. What’s it worth?
For those of us (including me) who are not “Moon Mullins” knowledgeable: He was the lead character of a popular newspaper comic that was launched in 1923. Together with Kayo, his kid brother, Moon had escapades galore in the demi-monde. Who or what the “One Man Gang” is, I haven’t the foggiest. As to the book in question, I ran a search of every column I’ve written and was unable to discover any reference to Moon Mullins or Kayo. I did find several listings in price guides for your 1939 Whitman illustrated children’s novel. The lowest value was $25, while a high of over $60 was mentioned.
Dear Collector,
My daughter got this “Lola Liddle” doll at a flea market. Do you think it is worth more than the $2 she paid?
Lola is one of Mattel’s “Liddle Kiddle” dolls from the 1960s. Since she looks to be mint on her original store card, current value is close to $100.
Dear Collector,
Would you tell us how old this electric clock is, and if is has any value above that of family history?
Telechron named this late 1940s model the “Advisor.” Offered in several color schemes, this popular plastic-cased clock sold nearly 1 million units over the six years it was manufactured. Not valuable, about $25, its simple design is still nonetheless attractive today.
Dear Collector,
My mother told me our Liberty Bell bank was a gift to her mother in the 1930s. Could this be true?
Research agrees with the date of your keepsake that came from Arcade Manufacturing, a defunct Illinois firm specializing in cast iron toys. The Liberty Bell, an American icon, has been an oft repeated theme for penny banks for well over a century, and yours is worth $50.
Dear Collector,
I have an 1822 one-cent coin. Could you tell me what its value is?
This copper coin is nicknamed the “Coronet Cent” because of an ornamental band or diadem worn by Liberty. Surrounding her head are thirteen stars, while on the reverse designer John Reich added a laurel wreath. Value on a well circulated coin is approximately $25.