Author: Donna Welch

Dear Donna,

We just purchased a new old home. In the shed was this bicycle. I can remember having one in the younger days. So I know it’s old! Is there any market for them now? Any information would be appreciated on what to do with it.

Carla

Dear Carla,

I had one of those Stingray bikes as well when I was young.

Bicycles are not really a category I’m that familiar with. I do know, though, that some are very collectible. I think I would start by getting all the information — maker, year and a photo. Then I would do research and/or bring it to a bike shop. A bike shop might have a customer base for old bikes as well. Doing research also might get you right into the hands of a Stingray collector. I would say the value is at least $50+.

So pursuing further seems like it could be worth it for you. I wish I could help more but, as I said, bicycles are in a specific field.

I hope you find it a new home and it becomes a treasure for you. I will do more research as well. I will get back to you with anything I find.

Hello, Donna,

Not sure if you recall, but you wrote about my mother’s hutch/china cabinet back in late 2020. Mom had to move to assisted living in May and her condo is now for sale. Can you suggest someone in your network whom I could contact to help me sell and transport such a piece at this time? Your help would be much appreciated.

Respectfully,

Jim

Dear Jim,

Let’s see if I can help!

As I wrote in 2020, Jim, the piece is an amazing piece of furniture. If the quality were replicated today it would be in the thousands for value.

Now that being said, though, finding a home could be a bit difficult. Today’s generation makes it a tough fit into their decor. You’ve got to find an old-school antique appreciator to welcome it into a new or old home.

So I think posting your story might help. Or posting it on a local marketplace. Both avenues would set up a pick up and remove, so you won’t have to do it.

Price range will have to be decided between you and the buyer. I hope this was helpful, Jim. Your cabinet deserves a great home to be loved once more.

Any inquiries I will pass on to you!

Donna

Hello, Donna.

I have a piece of this silver. It’s marked Gorham on the bottom and sterling. It’s 8 inches tall and the bowl is 9 inches. I don’t have any use for it so I’m wondering if you could suggest a new home and selling value.

Thank you for the effort.

Cam

Dear Cam,

What you have is a piece of holloware made right here in New England, in Providence, Rhode Island. The Gorham Manufacturing Co. story is an interesting one if you cared to do more research.

For now, though, let’s help with what you have. Gorham was known for sterling flatware, holloware and many other sterling and silver-plated useful items.

Holloware feels heavy because it is weighted but the sterling is actually thin almost like a foil. This makes it more fragile than a solid sterling piece. It also makes the plain and simple ones like your compote less valuable.

Even so, Cam, the value is in the range of $60+ depending on the condition. No dents or crinkling etc. I’m just not sure these days how to refer you to a buyer. Silver is a lot of work to use or display these days.

Try going to a local antique shop to see what they might offer. Remember always, though, they won’t pay the full value because they will have to find a buyer for it.

I hope this helps and you do find a new home for this compote.

Dear Donna,

We have this Peter Rabbit magician book. I thought the unusual part was that it is all complete. Not sure how it went through all my dad’s family and is still intact.

Would there be a value to something like this?

Thanks for your time, Donna,

Ken

Dear Ken,

I was chuckling as I read your letter. I don’t know how any toys ever survived till today!

The Peter Rabbit The Magician book is from the 1940s and was produced in Illinois. It has a story plus many fun tricks inside for children. How fun this must have been!

Now for a value, Ken, from low to high you can still find this out on the internet. But not many had the original box as well. Having the box and complete magic tricks I would say it’s in the $100 range. Sometimes the original box is a big bonus.

Ken, I thank you for sharing and for the smile. Sweet family toy with memories.

Dear Donna,

I purchased this small cow painting, 3 inches by 2 inches. It’s done on canvas. There is no signature but it does look old. Any information would be appreciated.

Candice in Manchester

Dear Candice,

What a sweet miniature painting. The subject (a cow) is a collectible one.

Miniature paintings are always fun to collect. The older the better, but subject and artist and quality of the work always are in play.

The value of this one, unsigned, would be in the $40+ range, just for size and subject. Sweet little treasure, Candice. I hope this was helpful and you enjoy your purchase.

Dear Donna,

Recently got this bracelet in a box of assorted jewelry. It stood out to me because it’s marked sterling and Dane Craft. Any help would be appreciated.

Sandra in Salem

Dear Sandra,

Good catch in the jewelry box.

Your Dane Craft sterling daffodil bracelet was produced in the 1940s. The company was located in Rhode Island. It has a very interesting story if you want additional information. I have had many pieces over the years from sterling to gold-filled. But I have to say I learned information by doing research for you through Google. I always say learning something new makes for a great day!

The values I found were in the $100 range on average. Some were higher and a couple lower. So for me I would feel safe in the middle.

Sandra, you found a treasure! Hope this was helpful and glad you shared!

Donna