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Hunting-theme bowl worth up to $200

Royal Doulton bowl with hunting scene is worth at least $100.Courtesy of The Collector (Courtesy of The Collector / The Spokesman-Review)
Glenn Erardi
Royal Doulton bowl with hunting scene is worth at least $100.Courtesy of The Collector (Courtesy of The Collector / The Spokesman-Review)

Dear Collector: This Royal Doulton bowl was left to me; what is it worth?

Doulton, a British firm noted for high-end ceramics, was founded in 1853. Your bowl, according to its mark (or backstamp), dates from after 1907. It’s hard to put an exact time to it, as the maker often had long production runs on their hunting and coaching scene series. A conservative value would be over $100, but not over $200.

Dear Collector: I have a 1929 copy of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by H.B. Stowe. Is it worth anything?

An old edition such as yours is worth maybe $20 or $25, while an 1852 first edition could easily reach thousands of dollars. As I’ve said before, everything is relative. What is ancient to a 20-year-old may not be old to a senior citizen. And with antiques and collectibles, age is important – very important.

Dear Collector: Is this 1940 nickel valuable?

In 1940, Germany was on the move in Europe, eating up country after country, and Glenn Miller was on the charts with “Pennsylvania 6-5000” and “Careless.” Your coin, composed of copper-nickel, could buy a half-gallon of gas or a couple of two-cent newspapers. Current value on your nickel is almost a half-dollar, nearly the price of a newspaper.

Dear Collector: We’re not interested in knowing how much this dog figurine stamped “Wien Keramos” is worth, but we would like some background on it. Can you help?

Your porcelain pooch was made by this Austrian ceramics concern in Vienna (the English translation of Wien). The mark shows it was manufactured after 1945.

Dear Collector: I have the opportunity to repair a Crosley Model 11-465 television for a small investment of $35, which includes replacing three tubes. Should I go for it?

Starting with kitchen appliances and automobiles, Powel Crosley Jr. (1886-1961) went on to manufacture radios and finally televisions in the late 1940s. He is credited with the first car to have disc brakes, America’s first compact car and first lights on a major league baseball field (Cincinnati Reds). Your circa 1950 tabletop set has a listing of $75, in working order. While your restoration may not greatly increase its value, you will have a functioning piece of history for a few bucks.

Dear Collector: This pitcher bears a mark from “Kraft-Blue, Homer Laughlin.” Age and value please?

Probably sold via Woolworth’s, along with a pink version, shortly after being introduced by HL in the late 1930s, your creamer is now worth $40.

Dear Collector: I have a Jimmy Cagney button with the letter “N” under his photo. Is this an old item?

Back in the 1930s, local movie houses offered a set of pinbacks spelling out Mr. Cagney’s name. Upon collecting all 11, the bearer would be granted one free admission. Current value on each pin is $10-$20.

Dear Collector: What can I set aside for my children? I can’t decide on coins, stamps or something else economical.

The most inexpensive thing you can give a kid is your time. Forgive me for sounding preachy; it’s the best investment you could possibly make.

Prices quoted reflect retail values, and as with many antiques and collectibles these values vary. Readers are encouraged to submit questions (with images if possible) to THE COLLECTOR at www.askthecollector@aol.com. Please don’t ask help in buying or selling your items.