Mint phonograph would be worth 5 bills
Dear Collector,
What is the value of this phonograph?
Called a “banner” model, after the large decal decorating its case, this circa 1910 wind-up machine played cylinders rather than disc records. Not a rare item, value is greatly reduced because of the missing drive belt, reproducer (that’s a device containing the needle and diaphragm) and horn, which may have required supporting arms called a crane. All these parts can be picked up via catalog or on the Internet. If the phonograph were in near mint working condition, value would be around $500.
Dear Collector,
I just came across this manual for a 1955 Chevrolet Bel-Air. Is it worth anything?
Chevy produced more than 700,000 Bel-Airs that year. At today’s value of $30, all the manuals for all those cars would total $21,000,000.
Dear Collector,
Please give me a quote on this Ezra Brooks bottle shaped like a hog?
A 90 proof bourbon no longer sold in decanters, Brooks distributed your razorback bottle, which has a current value of $20, in 1969.
Dear Collector,
As a joke gift for my wedding shower in 1947, I received “Blondie’s Cook Book.” I’ve actually prepared a meal or two from the recipes, but that was many years ago. Can you tell me if this book has appreciated in value of the last 60 years?
Written and illustrated by Blondie’s creator, cartoonist Chic Young, your memento has a listed value of $40, which I think is too high. A more realistic assessment is $20 to $30.
Dear Collector,
The metal Doral box in the photos was given to me five years ago. I remember the cigarettes from the ‘50s but I’d never seen a box with 200 in it. Is it of any value?
Not really! This circa 2000 tin was one of a picture series titled “Doral Across America.” Hold onto it for another generation, and by then it may have increased in value.
Dear Collector,
Our Berlin Hilton egg cup came from a yard sale many years ago. How old is it?
Obviously a souvenir (albeit probably gained by five finger discount) this 1960s porcelain piece manufactured by Rosenthal has a prospective value of $15.
Dear Collector,
My wife’s uncle owned a tavern during the 1940s. We recently cleaned out his house prior to putting it on the market and found a bunch of bar paraphernalia including this stack of Harvard Ale coasters. They were wrapped in tin foil and appear to be in almost new condition. Are they worth anything?
Lowell, Mass., was the home of Harvard Brewing Co. from 1898 to 1956, with a decade off to celebrate Prohibition. Your coasters are listed at $10 each.
Dear Collector,
What can you tell me (age, price, etc.) about this cap gun? My wife bought it for our young son at a Goodwill store for $1.50.
Considering your “Wild Bill Hickok” pistol is more than 50 years old and worth possibly $100, I’d say Brava! Let me know the next time she goes shopping, I may want to tag along.