Even with box, camera’s worth is minimal
Dear Collector: Please tell me if 1950s Kodak camera is worth anything?
Your camera and flash attachment in its original packaging dates from about 1954. An upgrade of the earlier Brownie Holiday, which had no flash, yours is worth about $25, despite having the box.
Dear Collector: While cleaning out my uncle’s home after his death, I found an old paperback book titled “Blood Alley” that has John Wayne and Lauren Bacall on the cover. What is it worth?
Written by A.S. Fleischman, this 1955 Gold Medal book tells the story of a group of Chinese fleeing communist forces in a riverboat piloted by Wayne. Depending on condition, value is $8 to $100, according to one major price guide.
Dear Collector: I have a cigarette lighter shaped like an owl. The only marking on it is “Made in Occupied Japan.” How old is it and what is it worth?
That expression was used on Japanese imports between 1945 and 1952. Many Japanese goods produced during that period tended to be shoddy and poorly decorated, but not your well built big-eyed bird, which has a value of almost $100. Not bad for something that probably sold for a few dollars in a primary market.
Dear Collector: Enclosed are photos of a General Electric transistor radio given to me on my 13th birthday. I’ve kept it for years and only rarely used it. Would you tell me what its value is?
Your AM radio early 1960s model P850 has an unusual feature. What appears to be a large circular antenna on top is in reality a handle, giving this radio an interesting appearance but not adding much to its $15 value.
Dear Collector: I bought this Green Hornet lunchbox for $50 back in 1995. What is it worth now?
Based on the TV program, this metal box was made in 1967 by King Seeley Thermos. The vivid graphics covering both sides and all edges were done by artist Nick LoBianco. Consulting a number of recent guides shows valuations from $100 to $500. Conservative value is $100 to $200.
Dear Collector: My girlfriend gave me this Home Run straight razor in hopes that I would shave off my beard. While I don’t think I’ll ever use it (I’m too apprehensive), I am interested in its history.
Your cutthroat keepsake was made by B.S. Edlis of Pittsburgh at the beginning of the 20th century.
Dear Collector: I’m sure you hear buried bottle stories all the time from your readers. The one I found is marked “Sweet Babee Nurser.” I read about medicine and liquor bottles being dug up all the time, but never a baby’s bottle. Is this important?
In the past and probably the present too, whisky, beer and medicine bottles (albeit they are more than likely plastic instead of glass) are more numerous than nursing bottles, hence the greater chance of finding the former. Your find, circa 1910, has a high value of $80.