Author: Donna Welch

Dear Donna,

Would you know anyone with interest in used Legos? If so, any help with pricing?

Thanks.

Lisa

Dear Lisa,

Legos are a memory from my childhood. Even though they were around earlier, they came to the U.S. in the 1960s.

I have to admit I’m not too familiar with them individually. I do know, though, that they would be worth having a toy specialist look at. Some can be of minimal value and others very high. This would all be depending on age, complete sets, original condition with box, rarity, and with no damage etc.

Lisa, to give you pricing without knowing all that information would not do you justice. My suggestion to you is to do research either by using Lego books or looking online. This way you can narrow down exactly what you have there. I feel older or even modern ones would and could be worth the effort. Thank you for sharing, Lisa, and hope you have a treasure there.

Dear Donna,

We have an older home and are looking to replace the shutters. We want older wooden ones.

Can you point me in the right direction as to where to look for bulk supplies? I would need 21 of them total.

Carla

Dear Carla,

My first thought is, wow, what an undertaking! But I can appreciate the reuse.

First you need to have an exact measurement of each window needing them. Then when you buy old/antique shutters, most are painted. So you either have to use them in the original color or condition or refinish them, which probably isn’t worth all the cost and effort.

I would start off by looking at flea markets, outdoor shows, salvage stores, etc. Twenty-one is not too big a number to look for. It’s just finding them in usable condition as is!

I think you could pick up the lot of them for $200 or less depending on size and where you find them.

I wish you luck in your hunt!

Dear Donna,

I inherited this typewriter and am wondering if you could give me any information on it, and a value.

Doug

Dear Doug,

I immediately liked your typewriter for the color.

The Royal Typewriter Co. has made many styles and colors since opening in the early 1900s. So many makes and models have survived and are still usable today. Ahh, the days when items were made to last!

Your green one is from the 1940s to 1950s. It looks to be in good shape with a cleaning needed. If you can get it typing again, I think the value would be in the $60 range.

If it’s only good for decorative use or for parts for steampunk jewelry makers, etc., the value would be lower.

Dear Donna,

My grandmother took a trip to Europe in 1913, starting in Germany and then going to the Netherlands, France, England and Ireland. She accumulated a number of postcards in the process and I’ve had them for years and am wondering if they have any significant value.

What do you think?

John

Dear John,

Having postcards from Europe is pretty similar to having postcards from the U.S. Most of them are mass-produced (even now) and of significant sites, views, places, historical pieces etc.

I think you should have them looked at just in case. Maybe a few are worth over $10, and rarer ones even more, but most in general are in the $1 range.

Dear Donna,

I came across this miniature school desk that almost fell apart when I picked it up. It was missing most of the original bolts and the remaining ones were loose. It has a little rust on it, but overall it’s in good condition. No information was on it indicating manufacturer or age.

When I brought it to a hardware store to find replacement bolts, people were fascinated with it! One person said sell it on eBay. Any suggestions?

Stephen

Dear Stephen,

My first reaction to selling it online is yikes — I wouldn’t want to pack it for shipping!

Your child’s school desk is not too uncommon to find. It’s from the late 1800s to early 1900s, but there were many. Most bolted to the floor so they seem to be found in OK condition today.

The value ranges from $20 to $75 depending on being in original condition, and some are more desirable than others (like double ones and unusual ones).

I think to find yours a new home, I might try locally and keep the price range under $30. I hope you find it a new home to be used again for a new purpose or decorative display.

Dear Donna,

I have three of these wooden soldiers. I think this was part of a bowling set that was my mom’s.

My first question is, are these old enough to have value? Next question is, could I find more or similar ones to create a collection for my son?

Emily

Dear Emily,

I enjoy the fact that the set of three soldiers might be the beginning of a new collection.

Your toy soldiers could definitely have been part of a bowling pin set. They have been made for many years, from the late 1800s to now. Older ones such as yours could have been marked at one time Germany or Japan.

I think the value would be in having the complete set, and even better if in the original box. That might be in the range of $100+.

Now for starting a new collection moving forward, that’s priceless! The hunt will be fun and there is no saying what you will find out there today. Yes, it’s always worth collecting antiques and older items. Have fun, and I will keep my eyes open for you as well.