Details found about gift
Dear Collector: This bowl was given to me after I had admired it for years. The markings are “1 J-6 USA.”
Listed as a jardinière (sounds like a backup singer for Elvis), this Roseville vase was made in 1946. Produced in blue, green or rose, yours has a price guide value of over $150, but a more realistic value is $100 or under.
Dear Collector: I have several 1950 fifty-dollar bills. Is their value more than $50?
Yes, even in uncirculated condition, which I’m sure is the case; they would be worth at least $55-$60 each. In 1950 only eight million homes in the country had a television, “Sunset Boulevard” was a big hit in theaters, and gas was only 18 cents a gallon.
Dear Collector: Please identify the age of this clock.
What we’re talking about is a circa 1918 Ingraham “Hanover” mantle clock. In working order, this timepiece is worth $50-$70.
Dear Collector: What’s the value of a piece of paper music for “Little Bo-Peep Has Lost Her Jeep?”
Written in 1942 by Frank De Vol and Jerry Browne, and made popular by Spike Jones & His City Slickers, this sheet music has a current value of $10.
Dear Collector: Enclosed is a copy of the original etching “Pour Roby” by Pablo Picasso. I also have the authentication certificate with raised seal. Please provide me with approximate value?
While technically a Picasso print, it is a restrike. After a numbered run is printed from an etching the plate is usually destroyed, but in the case of your print (done by Picasso for his friend Roby so that he could make copies to sell), it is neither numbered or signed – except in reverse, or “the pull,” as art experts say. Nonetheless, your mass produced piece of art is worth $100-$200.
Dear Collector: This clock cookie jar, shown in photo, was bought by a relative in the 1950s or ’60s. It has a Brush Pottery mark. What is its value?
Produced by Brush of Roseville, Ohio in 1956, this jar is currently worth at least $100.
Dear Collector: Is there any value to this old Parcheesi game?
Your 1930s board game was manufactured by Selchow & Richter, the makers of Scrabble. Looking to be in good shape, and assuming all the pieces are accounted for, your classic game has a potential value of $30.
Dear Collector: Can you put a date on a set of Homer Laughlin dishes bearing “First Thanksgiving” on their label?
Part of Laughlin’s early 1940s Liberty pattern, your Historical America series also included “Betsy Ross,” “Liberty Bell,” “Star Spangled Banner.” Value varies from piece to piece and subject matter.
Dear Collector: I need your help; would you suggest collecting First Day Covers?
FDC, or first day of issue, is the date on which a stamped envelope, stamp or postcard is initially sold. Collectors place a cachet on these postal items. So, my short answer is yes, collect FDCs. But don’t forget all the other collectibles, from ABC plates (kids’ dinnerware with the alphabet around the rim) to Zzolnay (Hungarian art pottery).