Category: Treasure Hunt

Dear Donna,

Found something I can’t figure out. Any clues on what this tool could be? Thanks for any input.

Sandy

Dear Sandy,

Thanks for sharing with us. Had fun figuring it out. I love learning something new any time. Thanks for all the photos.

This is an antique wine bottle cork stopper/inserter. What a neat and useful item. Not being a wine drinker, I found it a fun and educational thing to research. I found values to be in the range of $60+ for older ones, less for more modern versions. The history of cork inserters and corkscrews was priceless.

Again, thanks for sharing, Sandy, and we figured it out!

Dear Donna,

I believe my grandfather bought this to use for my mother around the year 1927. As you can see from the attached pictures, it can be used as a tall high chair, short chair, both with or without the tray table. It is also on wheels.

It is definitely made of a hardwood with a cane seat, both of which are in excellent condition.

Does this chair have any value other than sentimental? I am in the process of downsizing and would be interested in selling it if it has any value. Thank you.

Linda

Dear Linda,

I am always amazed when pieces like your high chair make it through time. Imagine using it every day. For feeding, and some even for strolling. Yours looks to be in great shape.

The chair is from the Victorian era, late 1800’s. The seat appears to have been replaced and the chair possibly refinished. It’s in nice clean condition for decorative purposes today.

The values run between $250 and $600 or even higher with the more it can do and detailing. I think in this region the selling price for yours will depend on finding the right collector.

I hope this helps and thank you for sharing with us. Nice piece of Victorian-era history.

Donna

Hello, Donna.

Picked these tickets up at a yard sale last year. Would these be valuable today? I found them interesting.

Debbie in Candia

Dear Debbie,

Pine Island Park is a big part of Manchester’s history. It opened in the early 1900s and closed in the early 1960s. The story is a long and interesting one, worth researching..

I have seen many pieces of memorabilia from the park — souvenirs, trinkets, park benches etc. Even though I was just a child when the park closed, I always enjoyed owning a piece of memorabilia.

I have seen tickets for as much as $10 each. So yes, they have value, I think, to anyone who wants a piece of Manchester’s history and amusement park pieces. Thanks for sharing, Debbie, and putting a smile on my face.

Dear Donna,

Can you tell me anything about these folks? There is a stamp that says ‘Japan’ on the bottom. They are my wife’s and we have never used them. What do you think?

Thank you.

Bob

Dear Bob,

My first reaction is how fun for a barbecue even today!

With no maker or company name on these skewers, we can’t figure that out. I can tell from the style of the “Japan” mark they were imported into the U.S. after 1921.

They do look to be from the period from mid-century to the 1970s. The condition is excellent and clean. I think having the set complete is a plus. I like the assortment of characters as well.

Value should be around $50 to a collector. Depending on how you market them it could be less, to a buyer for resale.

Hope this was helpful, Bob. Thanks for sharing your fun barbecue items.

Dear Donna,

Can you tell me if people even still use alarm clocks? This was in my parents’ home for years. It still works fine. I just don’t have a need for it any longer.

Does it have value to someone?

Thanks, Donna.

Kate

Dear Kate,

I bet there are many people that still use alarm clocks — electric ones, and maybe some people even still use wind-ups.

Your Big Ben clock is from the early 1900s and looks like one of the first models. Westclox Co. has an interesting history. Your clock working is a plus for you, Kate. The value would be in the range of $60 to a collector or decorator. Who doesn’t love the look and charm of an antique timepiece?

Thanks for sharing with us, Kate. I hope you find time to find your clock a new home.

Dear Donna,

I have a question about this tiny chicken plastic charm. My mom always had it in a jewelry box. It was special to her. Would you know why? Thanks, Donna,

Tina

Dear Tina,

The special part of this Cracker Jack prize charm. Hmmm. Has to be the situation at the time she acquired it.

Is there anyone who doesn’t know Cracker Jacks? The sweet popcorn treat has been around since the late 1800’s. Inside the box was that special treat toy charm you couldn’t wait to unwrap. Your chicken charm is from the 1940’s, Tina.

Prizes and charms are still in the boxes of sweet popcorn. Older ones like yours vary in price but all are collectible. I would say yours is in the $20 range. Some can bring a lot more, depending on the rarity. Common ones can bring a lot less as well. The idea was to collect lots of them and buy more Cracker Jack.

A fun collection to have with a history behind them. I hope this was helpful, Tina. Thanks for sharing.