Sentimental value makes vase a keeper
Dear Collector,
I was left with some pretty interesting stuff when my parents passed away. I always wondered if this vase was worth anything.
I think that this item falls into the flowerpot category. Oval in shape and decorated on one side only, which is typical of objects that are meant to be viewed in a fixed position, your vessel bears the single word “England” on its underside, with almost no other hint as to its manufacture or age other than its old appearance. Going by the McKinley Tariff Act of 1891, we can assume it was produced after that date. If I were to put a low money value on it, would that make it any less valuable in your eyes?
Dear Collector,
On a recent trip to the Philippines, I saw a .45 caliber pistol which caught my interest. The left side of the barrel has the following inscription: “Remington Rand, Syracuse, NY.” On the right side is “U.S. Property, M1911 A1 U.S Army, #113###.” Is it a knock-off or the real thing?
Pistols of this type and vintage should have a seven-digit serial number. Check yours again, you’ve only provided six numbers. During WWII, a number of manufacturers produced this John Browning designed Colt semi-automatic. Along with Remington Rand (best known for their typewriters), there was Ithaca, Harrington & Richardson, and even Singer; though they did a very small run of about 500. The venerable 1911 saw action through Vietnam and beyond, to be replaced by a smaller caliber handgun in 9mm. An authenticate gun of the period could be worth $1,500.
Dear Collector,
My older sister gave me her Doctor Doolittle doll in the 1970s. I’ve kept it through the years and many moves. What is it worth now?
Based on actor Rex Harrison in the 1967 movie, this ‘68 Mattel toy is worth $40.
Dear Collector,
Can you please tell me the value of my Davy Crockett cookie jar? It has been with our family for as long as I can remember.
Your memory extends at least to 1956, which is when Brush Pottery Co. of Roseville, Ohio, made your jar. Listed value is in excess of $250.
Dear Collector,
Would you supply me with the history or background of this Kodak Boy Scout camera?
This is the 1933 model, which uses 620 film. It’s worth $30.
Dear Collector,
Enclosed find photos urine pot – I don’t know what else to call it – that we bought at an antique barn sometime in the 1960s. It shows, on the reverse side, a crown with “Maddocks, Lamberton Works.” Can you give any info on it?
Sounding very, very British, this chamber pot is actually a domestic product; in more ways than one. Maddocks worked out of Trenton, N.J., in the last decade of the 1900s and the first two of the 20th century.
Dear Collector,
What is this “Mona Lisa” money worth in U.S. funds?
You refer to a two colones note issued by Costa Rica in 1931. This currency was named after Christopher Columbus (Sp. Cristobal Colon), who was the first European to visit the “Rich Coast” in 1502. This bill is graced with a replica of Leonardo’s “La Giaconda,” putting its current value at over $100.