Collecting: A large stone ax
Q: I live in western Minnesota, and recently found a large stone ax while hiking through a river valley. I suspect it is probably a Native American artifact. How can I find out more about this item? — Denise, Willmar, Minn.
A: A good place to begin might be at the Minnesota Historical Society. The contact information for the reference library is Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. West, St. Paul, MN 55102-1906; reference@mnhs.org; and 1-800-657-3773. Warman’s North American Indian Artifacts by Russell E. Lewis: Identification and Price Guide (Krause, $24.99) also might be helpful. For information about arrowheads, two of my favorite reference books are Antique Trader Indian Arrowheads: Price Guide by Jason Hanna (Krause, $19.99), and Official Overstreet Indian Arrowheads: Identification and Price Guide by Robert M. Overstreet (House of Collectibles, $24).
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Q: I have a Hummel collection that I would like to sell. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can determine current values? — Judy, Surprise, Ariz.
A: For values, two of the better guides are M.I. Hummel: Figurines, Plates, Miniatures & More by Robert L. Miller (Portfolio Press, $24.95); and Luckey’s Hummel Figurines & Plates by Carl F. Luckey and updated by Dean A. Genth (Krause, $27.95). Both guides feature the latest prices, thousands of listings and are two of the more accurate and authoritative guides available. To get the maximum price for each of your Hummel items, I recommend that you post them on eBay.
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Q: I have a 1944 ticket that was issued for a performance of Glenn Miller and his Orchestra in England. The ticket has been autographed by Miller, and I would like to determine its value. — Shirley, Warwick, R.I.
A: Since your ticket was issued in Britain, I suggest you contact the Glenn Miller museum in Bedfordshire. The addresses are c/o Twinwoods Events Ltd., Clapham Road, Bedfordshire MK41 6 AB, UK; and enquiries@twinwoodevents.com. There also is a Glenn Miller collection at the University of Colorado in Boulder.