Author: Donna Welch

Dear Donna,

We have this small tin bird. It’s a wind-up with what I believe is the original key.

It belonged to my aunt. Now it sits in a bird cage looking so real. My question is, would you know the value? Any information would be helpful.

Thanks for your time.

Allen

Dear Allen,

Can we start off by saying thanks for all the photos! It always helps in identifying items.

Your sweet little tin wind-up bird was made by the Kohler factory of Germany, most likely between the 1930s and 1960s. The company produced other tin toys and different birds until the late 1990s, when it closed.

The lithographed bird looks to be in good shape (lithograph is a process of printing a design or pattern right onto items such as toys like your bird). The value is in the range of $20. But keeping it in a bird cage is priceless.

I hope this was helpful, Allen. You made me smile!

Dear Donna,

I have questions about a pin I have. Not sure of the age but it says Mexico on the back. It also says Sterling 925.

It was a gift to me several years ago. It was from an antique shop then. I wear it often as its black stone goes with everything. I’m not looking to part with it. Just for information on it.

Thank you, Donna, for any help.

Claire

Dear Claire,

What a modernistic-looking pin it is. I can see why you wear it often — it’s very pretty.

Being marked just Mexico makes it tough to figure out the actual maker. Also harder to determine an age. There are many different makers within Mexico. Producing some very beautiful jewelry.

Looking at the design, it looks like it would be from 1950s-1970s. The beautiful onyx stone was popular then. Sterling silver and jet black look great together.

The value on Sterling Mexico pins mostly depends on makers, age, style and as always condition. I think a pin like yours would be in the range of $75.

Thank you, Claire, for sharing with us.

Hi, Donna,

I am very curious about this item, which I believe is a snuff box. It belonged to my grandmother. I do not know how or exactly when she came to possess it, but likely the 1930s. The measurements are 1 13/16” wide by 3 3/16” long. The depth is 3/8”. I find a lot interesting about this, including the two dates (1832 and 1855), the decorative engraving, and the building or monument that is depicted. There is a crack in the lid that is visible in the first picture below. I wonder if you would be able to shed any light on its origin and any possible value it might hold.

Thank you.

Kathleen

Dear Kathleen,

First I want to say thanks for all the additional pictures. It really helps. You are also right that it could be a snuff box or tobacco box from the late 1800s to early 1900s. From what I can see it appears to have a gold wash inside. If so it’s made for acidic stuff like snuff, tobacco or even pills.

To determine if it’s silver, nickel silver, silver-plated or even Russian silver. I think it should be seen for real. I couldn’t quite figure out the touch marks that could help with that answer. Depending on the silver and origin it could be worth anywhere from $300++++.

What you have to consider is the condition. The bottom is dented as well as the top crack. That will take away from the end value. But bringing it to a jeweler or antique shop I think would be your best way for final information. Thank you, Kathleen, for sharing with us and good luck.

Hello, Donna,

I have a “what is it” question. Hoping you can help to let me know.

These wooden rollers have spikes on them. Makes them uncomfortable to hold.

Can you help?

Tami

Dear Tami,

What you have is an organ cob. They are made to create specific musical songs. These cylinder cobs date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s.

They went inside an organ such as a Gem Roller. They would turn (mostly by hand) and get struck by a metal comb to create music.

The couple you have sent pictures of look to be in tough shape. Over time the metal spikes can bend or break off, which causes them to lose the tune.

There is value to some of these that are in functional condition. However, most are found in the same condition as yours.

I hope this was helpful, Tami, Thanks for sharing with us.

Hi, Donna.

I really like your Treasure Hunt column. I wanted to respond to your invitation to send pictures of an item readers have a question about.

My husband and I have hit a wall trying to research this kitchen table set. We call it our “George Jetson” table. Clearly it is mid-century in design. We can’t find anything like it. We are hoping you have better knowledge and search skills and possibly could provide some insight and even a guess at value.

The Formica kitchen table (pictured with the table leaf in) and matching chairs sat in my aunt’s barn for 40 years. You see in the pictures there are numbers hand-written on the bottom of the table — we have no idea what they mean — and the manufacturer is a defunct Canadian company.

We love this table, and guests rant and rave when they see it; we just wish we knew something about it to share! Thanks for taking a look.

Megan

Dear Megan,

Can I start off by saying WOW! What a great mid-century dinette set! Great color, form, design and condition.

I think, Megan, if it were American made it would be much easier to find information. Because this was from a company in Québec that is no longer manufacturing, it is tough for you and myself.

What I can tell you is it impressed me from the pictures. Marketing it wouldn’t be hard. My suggestion would be to find a mid-century auction house to get it out into social media for all regions to see it. The value here in New Hampshire wouldn’t be the same as across the country. For a mid-century collector this would be a great find.

I think here the value would be in the range of $2,000+. But in, say, New York or California it could go much higher. It’s a great piece of modern furniture. Megan, the numbers are usually run numbers within the factory, to match pieces together.

I thank you for sharing with us and for saving your aunt’s set!

Hi, Donna,

I have an old reel-to-reel tape recorder and tapes that belonged to my husband. He passed away many years ago. I think it’s about time I passed it along to someone who would use it or at least appreciate it. Are there people who would be interested or collect these old things? Any information you could provide would be helpful. I don’t want to just trash it.

Thank you.

Carol

Dear Carol,

I’m sure there are people out there who would want to try it!

Unfortunately there isn’t a big market for common styles of these recorders. I also think you will have to find the right person to market it. If it’s in working condition the value is in the $30 range — to the right person!

I would still give it a chance to find a new home. Also making yourself feel better about throwing it in the trash, I would donate it to a thrift store and let it take its chance.

Thanks Carol, for sharing with us. Good luck finding a new home for your recorder.

Donna