Author: Donna Welch

Dear Donna,

I came across these in my parents’ basement. Not sure what they are but they seem to be in good unused condition. Any information would be appreciated.

— Marsha

Dear Marsha,

What you have are marking tacks from the George B Graff Co. They produced these racks in the early 1900s along with other products in Cambridge, Mass.

Your celluloid plastic-covered ones could have been used for map markings or anything that needs number tracking. It’s nice to see them in such good condition.

The value for the lot would be in the range of $40. It would be interesting to see what you could use them for today.

Dear Donna,

Looking to find out a value on this footstool.

Cathy

Dear Cathy,

Your stool looks sweet. At one time it was probably used every day.

It looks like this stool would have been from the Victorian era (late 1800s). It has what are called cabriole style legs with a hand-done needlepoint seat. Strawberries are always a pleasing design.

Antique stools have always been helpful, used for foot lifts, gout, providing extra height, etc. So your stool probably has many stories to tell. The value would be in the range of $70, because it looks to be in good clean condition.

Thanks for sharing and hope your stool stays home with you.

Dear Donna,

I’m wondering if you can provide any information on this Pansy’s Stories for Boys and Girls book. It’s dated 1882. I’ve often thought the cover was frame-worthy. I don’t want to destroy the book if it’s valuable, so thought I would check.

Edith T.

Dear Edith,

A rule always is to find out what an item is worth before changing anything, so good idea to ask.

Books are a specific market but I might be able to give you basic information. The value on them is based on age, subject, what edition, how many were printed and condition.

Most books, including children’s, were mass-produced. Many made it through time and today can easily be found.

I did find a value for your book in the range of $20 in good condition. So if you’re thinking of framing the cover, try encasing the whole book in glass. This way you’re not destroying the book and it can easily be passed down to the next generation for future reading.

Dear Donna,

I am sending you pictures of a bracelet that my mom has given to me. My dad gave her this bracelet when he returned home from World War II. He said the service men were given them to bring back home to their wives. My mom, who is 96, has passed it on to me. The bracelet is sterling silver.

Nancy

Dear Nancy,

The bracelet with an American coin of 1922 could have been married together with a sterling cuff at any point in time. The coin itself is silver as well so they make a nice combination. Sometimes there are other marks on the bracelet itself to indicate the maker of the cuff.

Not knowing where your dad was stationed during World War II could just make it a souvenir in general that he liked for your mom.

The bracelet together with the coin would be in the $100 range, because it appears to be in good condition and is silver. I wish I could add more to your story for you. I think the fact he brought it home to your mom and now it’s yours is a happy story!

Dear Donna,

Can you give me any information on this box of metal puzzles? I believe they are all in the original box and with instructions. Just wondering if they have value.

Jim

Dear Jim,

Your box of metal puzzles is from the 1960s and I remember struggling to figure them out myself in the 1970s — a lot of fun, but some were very difficult to figure out!

They were manufactured in England and have several versions and various amounts of stainless steel puzzles in each box. Having the original box is always a plus. With so many made and still around today, the values on some are low. I found the set you have to be in the $15 range.

I personally would like to try to do them again today to see if they seem easier. Enjoy your puzzles.

Dear Donna,

These brass buttons were from my grandfather’s military jacket. Where he was in his career at the time, I don’t know, but he eventually became a colonel, then a general.

I’m curious as to whether there’s any value. — Pam

Dear Pam,

I think your buttons are great pieces of your family history. Although they have sentimental value, military coat buttons were mass produced. These were done by the Waterbury Button Co. in Connecticut. They are from World War II. The value on them is in the $20 range for the lot.

Some buttons can have a much higher value so it’s always good to check with someone who might have expertise in this area. Also, military medals have collectibility depending on what they are and when they are from.