Sweet ceramic holds fond memories
Dear Collector: We’ve had this ceramic cookie jar for about 50 years. There are no markings on the underside that I can see. Is it of any value, other than fond memories? Thanks for checking.
The reason there are no marks is because this pixie is what is called a hobby jar, made by a nonprofessional, perhaps in a ceramics class. Molds to create these jars were purchased from Indiana Hobby, Bay State Mold, Inc., Crest and dozens of other companies. Because it is unsigned and undated and there are some problems with paint wear, value is less that $50.
Dear Collector: I was given a 1964 U.S. Mint set to celebrate the year I was born. Has it grown in value since it came out?
Containing one uncirculated coin of each denomination and placed in special packaging, these sets have been a favorite with collectors since the U.S. Mint began issuing them in 1947. There were slightly more than 1 million sets produced in 1964, selling for $2.40 each. Today, your keepsake coins are valued at $12.
Dear Collector: Do you know how old these dishes marked “JPF, Germany” are? I believe they were my grandmother’s, and I would like to give them to my grandchildren.
Your blue and white pieces decorated with golden trim were created by Ilmenau Porcelain Factory of Thuringia, Germany, in the decade before World War I. Ilmenau closed in 1938.
Dear Collector: What is this black pot with copper lid? It has a long brass handle with a concrete (possibly) ball.
New Englanders call your pot a “Cape Cod Lighter,” which contains kerosene or lamp oil. What appears to be concrete is, in fact, some type of pumice, a nonflammable stone, which is dipped into the pot then drizzled onto firewood allowing for easier lighting of a fireplace. Some are relatively brand new and almost indistinguishable from antiques; except that they are marked Made in China or Made in Japan.
Dear Collector: Enclosed are pictures of a Buck Rogers pocket watch I got 30 years ago at a collectibles show. I paid $50 or $60 for it, has its value increased?
Your circa 1971 watch, a reproduction of the original Ingraham Co. watch first marketed in 1935, is now worth what you paid. The real McCoy would be worth $500.
Dear Collector: How much is an unused book of matches with “Remember Pearl Harbor” on its cover?
Potentially, your circa 1944 matchbook is worth $5 to $10.
Dear Collector: Please help me identify the maker of the gravy boat in the enclosed photos? If you can’t make out the mark, it’s a lion with his paw on a globe.
In operation from 1868 to 1919, Hawley Bros. of Rotherham, Yorkshire, manufactured your piece of earthenware after 1898.
Dear Collector: Recently at a church bazaar I came across a comic book, “Debbie Dean, Career Girl,” which I bought for $15. I got it more for the artwork than as an investment. Did I pay too much?
A reprint of newspaper comic strips, this title saw only two issues in 1945. Luckily, you have the first number, which means it could be worth as much as $200.