Unmarked scoop difficult to evaluate

Dear Collector: I’d appreciate anything you can tell me about this unmarked ice cream scoop.

Without a maker’s mark, it’s impossible to say who made it and when. Based on style, I’d say this key-operated disher dates from the early 19th century. Value is in the $20 to $40 range. Perhaps when viewed under a magnifying glass, more information could be obtained.

Dear Collector: Enclosed is a copy of the cover of “How to Hit a Golf Ball” by Sam Snead. It’s in fair condition. I paid $3 for this used book. Can you tell me what it’s worth today?

Already a winner of the Masters, U.S. Open and British Open when this 74-page book was published in 1950, Snead was considered one of the top golfers of his day. A search of the Internet shows this and subsequent copies published now selling for about $7.

Dear Collector: Can you tell me the value of this Patsy Baby doll?

One of the smaller of the Patsy family, your circa 1931 doll was manufactured by Effanbee. Depending on condition and clothing, she could be worth more than $200.

Dear Collector: I am enclosing some photo copies of a Roseville Vase. Can you furnish any information as to its value? Who could I contact when disposal is considered?

Probably one of Roseville’s most popular patterns, your circa 1943 Magnolia vase has a listed value of $200 – a bit too high, if you ask me. Ethics restrict me from naming a buyer.

Dear Collector: I have a 6.35 caliber Sauer & Sohn pistol. Can you tell me approximate value and date of manufacture?

Working on this sketchy information, my educated guess is that you have a Model 1913 automatic (meaning that it’s fed from a magazine as opposed to a cylinder, as in a revolver). The serial number places this gun into a limited run category; putting its value at $100 to $200.

Dear Collector: What is a Series 1963 $5 bill worth?

Unless it has some unique quality, such as a printing error, your note is not worth much more now than it was then; if you take inflation onto account (gas at 29 cents a gallon in 1963), it’s worth less.

Dear Collector: My parents left me this Telechron mantle clock. I assume it dates from the 1950s, because they were married in 1955. Can you put a value on it?

Described as the Miles Standish model, your electric clock is technically a tambour (sort of bell-shaped) that predates your parents’ marriage by several decades. Value is about $50.

Dear Collector: Is this old Rin-Tin-Tin cup worth something? I bought it at a yard sale for 50 cents.

Probably offered as a premium from Nabisco Shredded Wheat, his sponsor, back in 1956, your plastic mug has a high value of $60.