Collecting: View Master

Q: I have a collection of more than 400 View Master reels dating back to the 1950s. In addition, I have two plastic storage boxes and two viewers, one of which is battery operated.

Do you know of anyone who might be interested in this collection? — Barbara in Atlanta

A: Mike Aversa is a member of the International Society of Appraisers, and he specializes in View Master viewers and reels. Write to him c/o Aversa Estate & Appraisal Service, P.O. Box 863, Yorba Linda, CA 92885. One of the better clubs is the View Master & Tru-Vue Collectors Association, 8305 Westbend Road, Minneapolis, MN 55427.

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Q: I have an oil painting that was done during the past century. I received it from my father’s estate in Belgium. How can I identify the artist and find out more about it? — Maria, Auburndale, Fla.

“A: You need to contact an expert. Three established art galleries in Florida are Dorsch Gallery, 151 NW 24th St., Miami, 33127; Pocock Fine Art and Antiques, 1200 East Las Olas Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, 33301; and Sammer Gallery 3399 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, 33134. Remember, it’s always a good idea to enclose a SASE when contacting experts and collectors mentioned in this column.

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“Q: I am restoring an old farmhouse and would like to find a 1920s-era cook stove as a focal point in the kitchen. Can you help me? — Stuart, Elgin, Ill.

“A: One of the better inventories in your region is at Remember When Antiques, 1955 Cherokee St., St. Louis, MO 63118. The shop buys, sells and restores vintage stoves.

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Q: I have a 78 rpm recording of the 1905 graduating class of the U.S. Naval Academy singing “Anchors Aweigh.” Is it valuable? — Benjamin, Lusby, Md.

A: I contacted several serious collectors, and they agreed that your recording is worth in the $10 to $15 range, depending, of course, on condition.