Mug’s worth might elicit a smile

Dear Collector: I would appreciate information on the age and value of the mug (pictured to the right).

This type of figural jug is generically called a Toby – perhaps after William Shakespeare’s Toby Belch in “Twelfth Night,” or possibly from the novel “Tristam Shandy.” Your Royal Doulton piece portrays Tony Weller, a Cockney coachman found in “The Pickwick Papers” by Charles Dickens. According to the sketch of the backstamp (maker’s mark) you included, the date of manufacture is between 1939 and 1955. Value is $50 to $65.

Dear Collector: Could you tell me the value of a 1923 dime?

Depending on which mint struck this coin (San Francisco or Philadelphia), your Mercury dime has a current value of $2 or $3.

Dear Collector: Can you determine the name, age and value of my doll?

Sold by Sears in the 1920s, your Flossie Flirt was made by Ideal. You omitted the doll’s size, so I’ll quote you the list price of the smallest (14 inches): $200 to $225.

Dear Collector: Is this Medal of Honor worth anything?

U.S. law forbids transferring, buying or selling this, the nation’s highest military award. But don’t worry, what you have is a circa WWII Bronze Star: an award for acts of merit, bravery or meritorious service. With award certificate and box, this medal has a current value of $100.

Dear Collector: The enclosed photos are of a Jiffy Kodak camera that was a gift to my mother when she was a child. Could you please place a value on it?

Further along in your letter, you mention that according to printing on its original cardboard container, this small folding camera, using six-16 film, was manufactured from 1932 to 1936. While I would like to say your keepsake is invaluable, it’s unlikely to be worth more than $50.

Dear Collector: My mother got these cowboy salt-and-pepper shakers back in the 1950s. What do you think they’re worth?

The cowboy on this made-in-Japan pair is Will Rogers (“I never yet met a man that I didn’t like”): entertainer, comedian, columnist, movie star and aviator who died in a 1935 Alaskan plane crash. Your set is listed at $15.

Dear Collector: I am willing to have this Waterbury clock repaired, if it doesn’t cost too much. Before I do that, I want to know if it is old. Can you help me?

In the 1880s, Waterbury produced a series of mantle clocks named after New England cities. You have a Rutland, whose 5-inch dial is housed in a pressed-oak cabinet. In running order, it would have a value of $350.

Dear Collector: After my father died, I found these two “Power Boys” books that were mine in the 1960s. As you can see, both books are in like-new condition. Are they worth enough to keep them for my kids?

Part of a six part series published by Whitman, your books feature the adventures of teenage brothers Jack and Chip Power. Your father thought they were valuable enough to keep for more than 40 years. Doesn’t that tell you something?