Royal letter
Q: I have a letter from the Buckingham Palace signed by Hazel West, a lady-in-waiting for the Queen. I would like to sell it and wonder how much it is worth. — Phyllis, Port Orange, Fla.
A: Not much. If your letter had been signed by a member of the Royal Family, it would, of course, have been quite another matter. Since it was signed by an assistant, it is probably worth less than $15. For a second opinion, you can contact Edward J. Sperling, a dealer who specializes in British Royalty collectibles. His address is c/o Britannia Past, 215 Beach Ave., Kennebuck, ME 04043.
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Q: I have a 12-ounce Royal Crown cola can from the RC Collector’s Series No. 2. It is from the 1970s, has never been opened and features Reggie Jackson. How can I sell it? — Cindy, Pueblo West, Colo.
A: I recommend you post it on eBay. I have monitored sports collectibles for several months and am flabbergasted at the prices that even fairly recent items are fetching. Two dealers/collectors who might be able to advise you are Wayne Merritt, 5 Hanson Court, Greenville, SC 29615; and Jim Carr, H.C. 30, Box 49-D, Brownwood, TX 76801.
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Q: I have a copy of “The First Battle: A Story of the Campaign of 1896” by William Jennings Bryan. It was either a first or early edition, and I would like to know its value. — Jeanne, Bluford, Ill.
A: I found several copies of the book online at www.abe.com, all for less than $10 each. To the dozens of readers who have contacted me recently about older books, this is my favorite Internet site to determine the fair market value of older and out-of-print books.***Q: We have a collection of 33 rpm records. Are they of any value, and could you direct us to someone who might be interested in them? — Joan, Lombard, Ill.
A: Three of the better used record stores nearest to you are in Chicago, namely Rock Records, 312-346-3489; Buddy Guys, 213-427-0333; and Hear Music, 312-951-0242.