Author: Donna Welch

Dear Donna,

I can’t tell you how this ended up in my mom’s kitchen drawer. It says Jabel and it’s dated 1916. Can you share any information about it with me? Keep it or throw it away?

Thank you, Donna,

Lee

Dear Lee,

I’ve got to say I’m smiling thinking of how many unusual items are found in estates. Would like to know the original story of how it got there!

I remember my mom having a junk drawer in our kitchen. It too had anything and everything in it.

Your piece is a Jabel Rings stone gauge for sizing. Jabel was in Newark, N.J., opening in 1916.

The tool works by placing the gemstones in holes and round flats to determine a size. If you look really close you should be able to see carat sizes on one side and millimeters on the other side. It’s a very neat and helpful jeweler’s tool. How that works and how it got into your mom’s kitchen? Hmm, maybe to use for stripping herbs?

The value of your little treasure is in the $50 range. I hope this was helpful, Lee.

Dear Donna,

I have an old rug, 4’ by 6’, that I need to sell. I have loved it but now moving to Utah and won’t have a space for it. Can you give me any information and advice on where to start?

Thank you so much if you can help.

Clayton

Dear Clayton,

I’m no rug expert by any means! It is a very specific field. I have come across many, though, during my years.

Your rug looks to be Turkish and has nice colors and design. It should also be hand woven and knotted. If the condition is the same all around as in the pictures, without areas of wear or tears. I would say marketing it won’t be a problem.

To find a buyer you might want to bring it to specifically a rug dealer for a quick turnaround, knowing ahead of time you won’t get the full value. They have to resell it so need room.

If you want as much as you can get and have the time I would say as long as condition is as I stated the value should be in $400 range.

So there are a couple options, Clayton, Good luck marketing it and with your move. Thanks for sharing with us.

Dear Donna,

These boards were used all the time in my home growing up. My mother shared with me that some were her mother’s. I thought possibly I could pass them along to my girls. Could you share any information? Are they still safe to use today?

Thank you, Donna.

Lee

Dear Lee,

The best part of your story is the memories of the boards being used!

Lee, bread boards have been around for so many years. All, I’m sure, were heavily used for bread making, pastries, light chopping, etc.

Cutting boards and bread boards all have value in today’s market, depending on age, condition, even shapes, etc.

Values run from $10 to several hundred dollars on some. Most common ones are in the $40-to-$100 range.

If you want to pass them along, Lee, you can clean them with a mild detergent and rinse well, then re-coat them with a safe food oil for use.

For just decorative use and collecting, I would leave them in the original patina (natural age discoloring). They are a very attractive kitchen collectible.

So no matter what you do, Lee, you have great memories and a treasure with your boards. Thanks for sharing with us.

Dear Donna,

These belonged to my dad. I have fond memories of him wearing them. Does anybody still use or wear them? Rather find a home than toss them.

Thank you, Donna

Caroline

Dear Caroline,

What a fun memory you have!

I am sure people still do wear them. I think they would fit right into today’s styles.

In general values on them are under $10 each. Some higher depending on maker, condition and design.

I think to find them a new home I would try an antique shop for any value. If no interest there, I would go to a clothing thrift store. You might just end up donating them, but then there is a chance for a new home. I hate seeing anything go to waste!

Caroline, I hope you find a place for the ties and someone can enjoy them again. Thanks for sharing your fun memories with us.

Dear Donna,

Found these pennies at a flea market over the weekend. We paid $10 for all of them. Can you give me any information on them?

Thank you, Donna.

Tim

Dear Tim,

Coins are a field of their own and not one I have the most experience in. It’s a very interesting and complex collectible market and some can be very, very valuable.

Your pennies are from 1943 and if you’re lucky maybe you have one dated 1944. The 1943 wheat penny was made to conserve copper during World War II. They were made of steel with a zinc coating. Beware, though, some of the values are in the mint marks and other conditions that either enhance the values or take away from it. As with everything there are reproductions out there. Sad but true!

The average value of a steel penny in good condition is a few dollars. In order for you to get a real value they must be seen by a professional. This is a must should you have a treasure.

Tim, even if you have only a few dollars in steel pennies, the education you’re going to get from them will be priceless. Some of your work could be done via a guide to collecting coins or online. Don’t assume, though — have them looked at! Good luck, Tim, and I hope you found a treasure or two.

Hi, Donna!

I read your column each week in the Hippo!! I am hoping you can help us out. We have an antique fire extinguisher. Do you know if this is worth anything? I was going to donate it to a historical society. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

Donna Lee

Dear Donna Lee,

Your extinguisher makes me smile. Back in my days of owning an antique center they were very collectible and were all cleaned and polished, then either stood in a room or were made into lamps.

Not sure if they are collectible for the same reasons today. But they do have a value in the range of $100 and higher in some cases. I do think donating items to a local historical society is a great thing. Some things such as antique fire extinguishers were made en masse and there are still too many around today. You could still check to see if it is something they might want.

No matter what you decide, Donna Lee, you have an interesting piece of history. Thanks for sharing.