Category: Treasure Hunt

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.

Good morning.

I have had these six luncheon plates in storage for years. I’m wondering if you can tell me anything about them and their value. Thank you!

Pam

Dear Pam,

Your Haviland Limoges plates with the Frontenac pattern were produced in the 1920s. They were part of a much larger set. The plates, cups and saucers are very common. The rarer pieces are the serving pieces, such as platters, pitchers and tureens. As with all dishware the harder-to-find pieces today will bring a higher value.

Frontenac is such a nice light pattern.

The value on your plates with no damage (chips, cracks, excessive scratching) would be in the $40 range for the six.

Thanks for sharing, Pam. I hope this was helpful.

Dear Donna,

What’s your thought on old glasses? We found three pairs in my parents’ estate. Any value to them, or are they throw-aways?

Thanks.

Scott

Dear Scott,

Antique spectacles are some of the most common pieces to find in old estates.

There is a long and interesting history that goes along with them. This pair is bifocals so not as early as some. Bifocals came later, invented by Benjamin Franklin.

In general most antique glasses run in the range of $10 a pair. They are bought today for many decorative reasons. If the rims are real gold and not plated or gold-filled, they have a much higher value, and there can be some exceptions, as always, for rarer ones.

So my answer, Scott, is not to throw them away. Have them checked by an antique dealer or jeweler for gold first and possibly a sale.

Thanks for sharing with us, Scott.

Donna

Dear Donna,

Is my mom’s mother’s recipe book of any interest or value to anyone? I have all the recipes I need and hate to toss it. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your time. Enjoy reading your responses in the Hippo.

Shannon

Dear Shannon,

I’m laughing because my first response is they should be priceless! Some of the most important things to people make it through time. I’m thinking how well-used this booklet was from the 1930s to the present.

I remember when I was growing up recipes within the family were secreted. Barely ever given out. When holidays came you couldn’t wait for that one yummy item to come!

The value on it, Shannon, is around $40-ish. To keep it in the family, though, and keep passing it is priceless!

Thanks for sharing with us and for reading.