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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Dish isn’t nearly as old as reader thinks


This ceramic piece was likely manufactured in the 1950s.
 (The Spokesman-Review)
Glenn Erardi Correspondent

Dear Collector,

I can hardly believe this dish was made in 1686; can you?

No I can’t! You’ve confused the pattern/design number with a date. Schoonhoven, the source of your circa 1950s dish, marked “Made in Holland,” is a Dutch maker of delft (blue and white decorated tin-glazed earthenware) that was established in 1749. When a piece of ceramic is marked with its country of origin, it was usually made after 1890.

Dear Collector,

What is my 1912 nickel worth?

Last of the Liberty Heads, your Charles Barber designed copper/nickel coin is worth at least $2.

Dear Collector,

I have a spoon from the Panama Pacific Exposition of 1915. It shows a picture of the Palace of Horticulture. Any value?

Celebrating the opening of the Panama Canal, this San Francisco based expo featured a number of “palaces” showcasing various trades, crafts and industries. The centerpiece of the fair was the 433-foot high Tower of Jewels decorated with lights reflected by faceted glass. Probably made by Wallace, the silversmith, your spoon has a potential value of $20.

Dear Collector,

I’ve had this “New Style White Cedar Churn” since 1950. Could you tell me how old it is and how much it’s worth?

Your crank operated cylinder butter churn was first marketed by Sears in the 1800s. However, I think this one came from the 1940s, when it was eventually dropped from the catalog. Current value is in excess of $200.

Dear Collector,

I have a 1951 Boy Scout “Den Mother’s Den-Book.” What is it worth?

Listed as the second edition of this handbook, which went through sixteen printings, your keepsake is worth $10 to $15.

Dear Collector,

My husband has had this “Planter’s Pennant Salted Peanuts” can for years. Could you tell me how much it’s worth?

Reproduced, along with a number of other tins, in the 1980s, your original circa 1930s relic has a paint can lid, while the newer examples have a cap-type. Depending on condition (doesn’t it always); value can range for $30 to $60.

Dear Collector,

Could you tell me if this “Sweetheart of Mine” sheet music is worth anything? It has Mary Pickford’s autograph on it. I assume the signature would have to be validated.

Silent superstar Pickford (born 1892), touted as “America’s Sweetheart” was one of the founders of United Artists. Her marriages and mansion were the envy of many women during her screen career. No need to have the autograph authenticated, it’s a facsimile. Listed value on this 1914 printed composition is $40.

Dear Collector,

I would appreciate information of this set of Von Schierholz candlesticks decorated with cherubs?

This porcelain maker, located in Thuringia, Germany, has antecedents going back to 1817, but it was in the years just before World War I that your hand painted pair was produced. One candlestick is worth $200, two are worth $500.