Category: Treasure Hunt

Dear Donna,

This blow dryer belonged to my mom. I can remember her using it on my sister and my own hair. It still actually works, although I wouldn’t want to use it. The heat from it is pretty intense. Does anyone collect such items?

Thank you, Donna, in advance.

Denise

Dear Denise,

OK, can I start with that my mom also had one and used it on my hair as well. LOL

This handheld style has been around since the early 1900s. Yours is from the 1950s ish.

Can you believe hair dryers have been around since the late 1800s, when they were invented?

There were several manufacturers and colors of a similar style to yours. Different colors, stainless steel, and with stands as well.

The values today I would think are for decorative and nostalgic reasons, and some repurposing reasons as well. I personally wouldn’t want to use it either. The heat is intense and I can’t even imagine the electrical cost! Also the cord could have age drying damage to the wiring.

Values are in the range of $30+ in good clean working condition. Some styles bring a little more for unusual colors, bases etc.

Denise, thanks for sharing and putting a smile on my face.

Hello, Donna,

At a recent yard sale I purchased a bag of jewelry. In it was this letter necklace. It’s marked Tiffany & Co AG 925. Can you help with a value?

Thank you, Donna.

Beverley

Dear Beverley,

Nice treasure you found!

Your Tiffany & Co necklace is from the 1990s era. The 925 confirms it’s sterling silver.

The marking looks authentic. Remember so many reproductions were made to pass off as the real well-known quality made ones.

The value is in the area of $125-ish. My suggestion, though, is to not clean it yourself. You don’t want to damage it in polishing. If you are looking to resell it, you could go to a jewelry store and ask for help with that. They can provide you with the right products. They might even clean it for you.

Beverley, thanks for sharing with us. Good luck with your treasure.

Hello, Donna,

I was going through a china cabinet and found this plate. I’m not sure where my mother got it; it may have come from her mother.

I’m wondering if it’s worth anything. Any information will be appreciated.

Thank you.

Kathleen

Dear Kathleen,

What you have found is a piece of Pickard China in the Bird of Paradise pattern. Yours is from the early 1900s and from Bavaria.

Being a dinner plate as always makes it part of a set. The higher-value pieces would be the serving pieces and unusual pieces, in good clean condition with no damage.

Today people collect them for the makers, designs and colors. Pickard has a long history and there are collectors.

My suggestion would be to go to a local antique shop. Even though the appraisal value might seem high for a plate, around $40, selling it may bring a substantial amount lower. Remember the buyer then has to find another purchaser.

Another option is to market your plate on your own.

I hope this helped and good luck with your treasure.

Donna

Dear Donna,

I have a hanging tapestry that is approximately 7 feet by 4 feet, and a wall-mounted one that is about 5 feet by 4 feet. Both have backing sewn on the rear.

According to family lore, the tapestries were acquired by my grandfather in the early 1930s when the Roxy Theatre chain in NYC went bankrupt during the Depression. Allegedly, they were “antiques” at that time. They were given to his son, my uncle, and were stored in a duffel bag for more than 50 years. My uncle gave me the weavings and we have had them on the wall since about 1985, but know nothing about their origin or provenance beyond the family tale. My uncle could provide no further info and is now deceased.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Ron

Dear Ron,

Thanks for all the information.

I can tell you, Ron, that your tapestries are from the late 1800s or early 1900s. Most are made in other countries such as England, France and a couple others.

They were made en masse for years. Larger ones like yours could have easily been used in a theater for decorative purposes.

I have had many throughout my career. I think you would be safe going to an antique shop for help. Or a consignment shop. Most larger ones in good clean condition can run up to $200. They are not an easy sell. Whoever buys or sells for you needs room financially to find the final buyer.

I hope this helps, Ron, and you find a new home for both tapestries.

Thanks for sharing with us.

Dear Donna,

We have a partial set of encyclopedias, with just one missing. Is there any interest in these? Would love to see them reused at a good home. All are in good clean shape with no smell.

Thanks.

George

Dear George,

Not sure what the secondary market will bring these days for an incomplete set. I would think being from the late 1950s into the ’60s these Golden Book encyclopedias would have some interesting information.

I think as far as value goes the missing one would be important for a sale. The value of a complete set would run in the $75 range. But to give them away you just have to find the right place. If it were me, I might try a used book store, a donation store or possibly an afterschool program. It could be tough, though, to find the right one. I hope this helps you, George, and wish you luck. Thanks for sharing with us.

Dear Donna,

Looking to find a value for our hanging ceiling lamp. Not sure of the age. I believe it’s all there and original other than re-wiring and cleaning often for the hanging glass. It’s not very large but can light a room brightly.

We love it and are not looking to sell it. It’s been here since we bought the house in the 1950s, if that helps.

Thank you, Donna.

Celeste

Dear Celeste,

You are making my job easy today.

I would say your small chandelier ceiling light is probably from the 1930s or 1940s. This is judging by the style.

It appears to be in great condition and clean. Doing the wiring over I always say is a great thing to do. It doesn’t take away from the value. As long as it’s done properly, it’s for safety. Chandeliers are collectible for people restoring houses to as close to original as they can. They also are just pleasantly attractive for decorators.

As far as a value, Celeste, if there is a maker’s name that would help with valuing it. But if it’s not marked the value still would be in the $400 range. So keep using and enjoy your treasure.