Author: Donna Welch

Hi, Donna,

We have this set of two glasses we are hoping you can share some information on and suggest an approximate value for.

We are looking to sell them and wonder who you suggest we contact.

They are labeled:

Ritzenhoff

Milk Club for Collectors.

Oscar Tusquets Blanca 1993

David Palterer 1993

Thank you for your expertise and assistance!

Dan & Suzanne

Dear Dan and Suzanne,

These glasses fall under a collectible market that I’m not too familiar with. They are from the 1990\s and usually that’s too modern for me.

I did some research for you and did find values for a set of two in the original packaging, which is the bonus. Without the box they would be $15 to $30 each. But yours would be in the $50-$70 range each with the box.

Now as far as selling them I can only give you my suggestion. I would either try online sites or a higher-end consignment store. Not really sure if either would be the best. Again, Dan and Suzanne, this is really not in my field of knowledge. Knowing now that they are collectible, I think you should be able to find a collector.

I wish you luck and hope this was of some help to you. Thanks for sharing and for educating me!

Hi, Donna,

I believe this is a Buck Rogers toy metal Daisy ray gun. As you can see, it shows its age! Is there a value for this or a market/buyer?

Thank you.

June

Dear June,

You are right. This toy gun was manufactured in the 1930s by Daisy Mfg. It was a Buck Rogers toy. It should have markings on it in the handle and side of the barrel.

Condition and whether it’s working really matter. The best condition paint, decals, etc. would be the highest value. In the condition yours appears to be in I think it would still be in the $150 range if working.

Marketing it I would start by looking for an antique toy dealer. It’s got two attractive things going for it: it’s a toy gun by Daisy, and it’s a Buck Rogers toy. You could either get information online or stop in an antique store. Always keep in mind unless you are selling directly to the collector you have to leave room for the buyer to re-sell.

I hope this was helpful, June. Good luck finding a new home for your toy.

Hello, Donna!

In September of 1988, I attended a convention that was hosted by The Titanic Historical Society at the Copley Plaza Hotel. The conference included a reunion of a dozen or so of the remaining survivors at the time, all of whom gave fascinating personal accounts of their time aboard — and subsequent escape from — the sinking ship. I bought a program booklet for the conference, which I then had signed by most, but unfortunately not all, of the survivors in attendance. Can you tell me how I can find out what this might be worth? I also have program booklets from the original Broadway productions of Hair and Godspell, as well as a program booklet from the original Woodstock Festival in 1969. Any information would be appreciated.

Best wishes,

Mike

Dear Mike,

I’m going to refer to the Titanic one. But I’m sure the other ones would follow in the same situation.

There are very good reputable auction places that deal with ephemera (paper). I think this is where I would start for an appraisal of what the market would get for these! Keep in mind, Mike, what you have could be very collectible but only to the right market. I also think in an auction they could get fought over. …. There is a really well known ephemera auction house right here in New Hampshire, RR Auction in Amherst.

I wish you luck. Donna

Hi, Donna,

I enjoy reading you in Hippo and thought I should reach out. I have inherited family heirlooms of my husband’s family. While I do appreciate the emotional value, I have no intention of using these.

I am wondering what your thoughts would be on a Copeland Spode dinner set for 12. My MIL had her personal property appraised so I do have monetary values. I have these items but am looking for advice before I do the work of bringing them to a local antique dealer.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you.

Amber

Dear Amber,

I first have to say Copeland Spode is a quality collectible name. It shouldn’t be hard to market it. The pattern of your Copeland Spode dishes is the Marlborough.

Even though you have an appraisal with a monetary value, selling them is a whole different game. Let’s start off by removing any ones with damage, cracks, chips or discoloration. Then the serving pieces will hold the higher values. Plates, cups and saucers are easier to find in any dish set, so they are not as desirable.

I think I would start at an antique shop for the marketing ability today. Then get an offer or put them on consignment. You have to remember appraisals are for replacement value. When selling them you have to leave room for resale again.

No matter what the appraisal is, and I’m sure it’s high, it’s always subject to change. If you want to sell you have to keep that in mind. I would sell as a set so as to not get just plates left.

Amber, I hope this helped and you find a new home for the dishes.

Donna,

I purchased this at a local thrift store for $5. It was on a Saturday morning when they were bringing out new merchandise. I would appreciate any information you may have.

Thank you,

Carrie

Dear Carrie,

Looks like you purchased a mid-century to 1970s-ish watercolor. The beauty of shopping thrift stores is you never know what you might find.

It’s tough to figure out values on watercolors when you can’t distinguish the artist’s signature. Sometimes you have to judge by context and detailing.

The subject of your watercolor is a pleasant relaxing one. Purchasing it for $5 was good if it fits your decor. I would say the value could be in the range of $40.

I hope this helps, Carrie. It was a tiny treasure for you.

Donna

Good morning, Donna,

I bought this lamp at a church summer festival in Maine. I absolutely love the shade! I was wondering if you could give me any information about it. Thanks.

Sharon

Dear Sharon,

Your mid-century lamp (1950s-1960s) appears to be in great condition.

Pretty popular in that day were scenes from the western frontier, cowboys etc. The shade was made from a parchment paper. As it aged it would give the appearance of a wooden shade.

The value of lamps like these would be in the $50 range.

Thanks so much for sharing with us, Sharon.

Donna

Update:

I got this note from Ray describing the use of the cooker stove in last week’s column:

“Hi Donna,

The item in question is a scalding pot that slaughtered pigs would be lowered into to loosen their bristles so they could easily be scraped off.

The water would be brought to a boil or near to boiling, the carcass, usually minus the feet, would be immersed for a short length of time and when hoisted out the bristles (body hair) could easily be scraped off.”

Thanks, Ray!