Collecting: Baseball cards

Q: I collected baseball cards throughout the 1980s. Even though I assumed my collection had been discarded years ago, I recently found it intact while sorting through an old storage area in my parents’ home. How can I find out how much the various cards are worth without going through a dealer? — Steve, Albuquerque, N.M.

A: Although there are dozens of references in this field of collecting, one of my personal favorites is The Official Baseball Card Price Guide by Joe Clemens (KP Books, $21.99). The updated 2007 edition has just been issued, and it features more than 375,000 listings of all regular issues from the past 25 years. Card values are listed in near-mint/mint condition with a helpful formula for other grades of condition. This guide is available at most larger bookstores or may be ordered directed from the publisher at www.krausebooks.com and 888-457-2873.

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Q: Is there a source to sell old magazines from the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s. They are mostly Woman’s Day, Family Circle and Good Housekeeping. — Theresa, Minden, Nevada

A: You might sell your magazines by placing an inexpensive ad in the Paper Collectors’ Marketplace, 470 Main St., P.O. Box 128, Scandinavia, WI 54977; 715-467-2379.

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Q: I have a commemorative Cherokee Trail of Tears firearm. I understand that only 300 were made. Mine is No. 158. How much is it worth? — Marcus, Murphy, N.C.

A: You need the expertise of a good gunsmith. If there isn’t one in your immediate area, I recommend Ed Gallagher, Trail Creek Trade Company, 10902 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074. His Web page may be accessed at www.trailcreektrade.com/.

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Q: My mother gave me an original Haddon electric clock about 40 years ago. I would like to find out more about it. — Linda, Winnsboro, S.C.

A: Roger Russell maintains an excellent Web page that has a great deal of information about Haddon clocks. You can access it at www.roger-russell.com/haddon/haddon.htm