Category: Treasure Hunt

Dear Donna,

My sister reads the Hippo weekly. She referred me to you for help.

This is one of a couple bowls my mom had in her house. While cleaning out my sister said to check values before just donating them.

This bowl is big in size, 14 inches across the top. It is marked Texas Ware. I can unpack others if you would like to evaluate them as well.

Thank you for your time, Donna.

Claire

Dear Claire,

Your sister was right to check values! This bowl is a great size melamine plastic mixing bowl. Texas Ware was made in Dallas, Texas. It was very popular during the 1950s and still is today. The melamine plastic was made to last and be very durable for everyday use.

The one thing you have to look for in a value is whether the sheen is gone inside the bowl. Sometimes with heavy use the inside can wear down. This changes the values. As always any damage would lower the value as well.

There is lots of history on melamine bowls and other companies that made them. Imagine a set of three graduated bowls sold for $2 to $3 a set. Now your single bowl has a value of $50+.

Claire, you’re welcome to send more pictures, but you might want to bring the items to a local antique shop. Good luck and thank your sister!

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