High survival rate reduces toy’s value
Dear Collector: I found this Charlie Weaver character among my father’s stored treasures. Does it have any value other than sentimental?
Powered by two D cell batteries, your bartender shakes and pours a drink. After apparently sipping some of the concoction, his face turns red and smoke swirls from under his hat. This Japanese-made toy was a popular hit back in the early ‘60s, as was eccentric Charley Weaver, the comic persona of actor Cliff Arquette (grandfather of actors David, Patricia and Roseanna Arquette). Even though you have the original box, and everything looks and works super, many of these toys have survived, putting the value at about $50 to $75.
Dear Collector: I got this pack of cards describing World War II German airplanes at a yard sale for 5 cents. All 52 cards, plus two jokers and cover, are in good condition.
Used by airplane spotters to become familiar with enemy planes, your 1943 pack has a high value of $50.
Dear Collector: I have a first edition of “Stuart Little,” copyright 1945. What is it worth?
This quirky children’s novel of a mouse’s (or is he a boy?) adventures in New York City was written by E.B. White, a hypochondriac who believed he would die at any moment, and thus never wrote a sequel. A true first printing of a first edition by Harper & Brothers with black-and-white illustrations by Garth Williams can start at $1,000, and go up from there.
Dear Collector: Enclosed is a photo of a plate that has been a hand-me-down from my mother’s side of the family. The plate, with a summertime pattern, has a logo that I’ve sketched and included. I know very little about it. I am most appreciative of any help you can give.
Made between 1934 and 1950 by Grimwades, a Staffordshire potter, owner of Royal Winton, your floral chintz (derived from a Sanskrit word meaning “many colored”) platter should be prized for its family connections, not currency.
Dear Collector: I have a 6-inch tall Roseville vase in the Ming design. It is marked “581-6.” I would appreciate any info on value.
This design is listed as Ming Tree, a pattern that was introduced in 1949. This vase has a recorded value of $100 to $125.
Dear Collector: Here’s a picture of my Cape Verde money. I know their language is Portuguese and the person on the bill is Bartolomeu Dias. Can you tell what it’s worth in dollars?
An independent nation since 1975, the Republic of Cape Verde, or Green Cape in English, was a colony of Portugal beginning in the 1400s. Dias, an explorer and navigator, was an early visitor to these islands off Africa’s west coast. Your five escudo (named after the shield or escudo found on ancient coins) denomination note was issued in 1945. Current value, in near-mint condition, is $40.
Dear Collector: I have a 40-piece set of sterling silverware. It was purchased in 1951. Do you know about how much it is worth?
No! You have to give me more facts, such as maker’s mark, pattern or even a photo. As I’ve said before, a good question gets a good answer.