Author: Donna Welch

Dear Donna,

We recently moved into a new old home. The previous owners left this stove and we have no need for it. They told us it was functional, but we’re not sure of that for ourselves. So we’re looking for an estimate of value to sell it. Thought you might be able to help, possibly pointing us in the right direction.

Thank you for your time.

Renee

Dear Renee,

I did some research for you on values, even though antique stoves are not something I deal with often. Too heavy!

Your antique enamel wood cooking and heating stove looks to be in good condition for being from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. You want to market it “as is,” though, not knowing if it’s functional.

If it’s in working condition it warms the home, cooks and has warming ovens on top as well. Just imagine using it every day!

The values, Renee, are all over the place from $500 to $2,000 and up. But finding the higher-end value could be so much tougher than finding a good home. So I think if it were me I would start in the under $1,000 range.

I hope this gave you a starting place and you find it a new home. When working they create so much warmth! Like a good hug!

Hello Donna,

Came across this 3” x 2½” trinket. Looks like it could have been used for a clock. There are no company names on it so it’s hard to tell. Any thoughts?

Pat

Bedford

Dear Pat,

You are right! It was a clock case at one time. Now, with the clock mechanism missing, knowing the value is tough!

It’s got to either go to a clock person to find a new timepiece, or be used for another decorative purpose.

If the metal had any value it would have been marked sterling and with a maker. So that’s not the case here. As it stands the value would be in the $15 range.

Pat, it would be much more fun to do something creative with it. Thanks for sharing and if you’re looking for a couple of decorative ideas send me another note.

Donna

Dear Donna,

I have a pair of old snowshoes that I would like to sell. Can you give me a price range and point me in a direction? Thank you, Donna.

David

Dear David,

Your vintage 1930s snowshoes look to be in good shape.

Antique snowshoes are a very popular decorative item in today’s market. In order for reuse they have to be in really good condition with no wood fractures and the leather very secure. You find many older ones refitted to work again today.

Values on them in original condition are in the range of $200+ per set. Higher depending on age, rarity of style, and condition. My suggestion would be an antique shop in your area. Or possibly a local online marketplace.

Either way, David, I don’t think you will have a hard time finding them a new home. I hope this helped and thanks for sharing.

Donna

Dear Donna,

We have accumulated inherited Christmas balls and other decorations from family. It’s time now for a new look, so we’re looking to see if there is a market for these. Thanks, Donna, for your feedback.

Colleen

Dear Colleen,

Old Christmas-related items are very collectible, from 100 years old through the 1970s and even some modern ones as well.

As long as your hand-painted Christmas balls are in good condition paint-wise and have no broken pieces or cracks you shouldn’t have a problem finding them a new home. The more unusual the design and the more intricate detail the better.

The value of Christmas balls like yours is a few dollars each and up. So you have a little treasure there. Should be in the $200 range for the lot.

All the family memories, though, are priceless!

I hope this gave you some help and you find all of your collection a new home.

Donna

Dear Donna,

I have a few old gloves from when my dad was a kid. Can you advise me how to research them for any value?

Thanks

Dan

Dear Dan,

Although sports items are not something I have dealt with much. I can tell you that one old glove can be worth $10 and another thousands. So research is important to determine values.

I think I would also bring them to either a sports store or antique shop that could help. Age, maker, signed, condition are all factors in valuation.

One last thought is doing research online. Be very careful if you choose this way. It can be easier but comparing one to the other is really tough. Mistakes easily happen and incorrect values happen frequently. Once you have identified the gloves, then online might be a more accurate way to determine a value.

I hope this gave you a helpful direction, Dan, and thanks for sharing with us.

Donna

Note: When you find old gloves leave them in the condition you found them in. Let a collector do the cleaning and restoration.

We have inherited this fish. It belonged to my uncle, who had many stuffed fish. Are there local collectors for such items?

My husband and I thought we might like them in our home. They are not working for us.

Thank you for any information you can share with us.

Cathy

Dear Cathy,

Your taxidermy fish looks like a bass. And I would say yes to at least this one and probably all of your uncle’s fish. The condition of each one will determine the value.

When it comes to collecting anything related to fishing — fish, poles, reels, etc. — there is a strong collector’s market. Some taxidermy fish can bring into the four-digit range along with related items.

First thing I would do, Cathy, is bring them either to a sportsman’s store or antique shop. This is to determine the condition of each and identify them.

After getting as much information as possible, they should be able to come up with an approximate value for you. They might even be your buyer. Taking the time, Cathy, will be worth it. Your bass is in the range of $100 in good condition. Some could even be higher. I hope I helped and your inherited fish bring you a treasure.