Is cigar box worth much?
Q: I have an old, square Antonio y Cleopatra cigar box. Where can I find out how much it’s worth? — Carl, Surprise, Ariz.
A: An Antonio y Cleopatra cigar box sold on eBay earlier this year for $22.50. Since Internet auction prices can sometimes be a fluke, you might want a second opinion. In addition to cigar boxes, David and Barbara Freiberg collect cigar bands, old advertising labels, firecracker packets, baggage labels, U.S. cigarette cards and sample books of labels. Contact them in care of Cerebro, P.O. Box 327, East Prospect, PA 17317; cerebro@cerebro.com; and www.cerebro.com.
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Q: I have a beautiful amethyst glass collection. I wrote to three dealers about the pieces that I have, but didn’t get a response. Can you help me? — Helen, Copake, N.Y.
A: Amethyst glass is, of course, any glass with color ranging from pale to a deep, dark purple. Sometimes called desert glass, if it appears black and only exhibits a deep purple when viewed through a strong light, it is commonly referred to as black amethyst.
Since the Fenton Glass Company of Martins Ferry, Ohio, and later Williamstown, W.Va., produced much of the amethyst glass found in America, I suggest you contact the Fenton Art Glass Collectors of America, P.O. Box 384, Williamstown, WV 26187. When writing the group, it would be a good idea to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
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Q: During the 1930s, Little Orphan Annie was a radio serial and for two Ovaltine seals and 10 cents, you could get figurines of Daddy Warbucks, Annie and her dog, Sandy. I still have the ones I ordered, and they are perfect in every detail. How can I find out more about them? — Ed, Sun City West, Ariz.
A: Ted Hake is one of the foremost authorities on 20th century American pop culture, and he might be able to help you. Contact him c/o Hake’s Americana and Collectibles, P.O. Box 1444, York, PA 17405; Ted@hakes.com; and www.hakes.com.