Category: Treasure Hunt

Hello, Donna.

Can you provide me with a value on my family’s Navy suit? I think it was my dad’s brother’s. It is in relatively good shape with some white spots on it. Being in a box in the basement I believe did that to it. I have no use for it but would like to find it a home.

Thank you for your time, Donna

Denny

Dear Denny,

World War II U.S. Navy uniforms like this are still not too hard to find these days. Finding them in good condition is key to the value. Also the caps for some reason are harder to find. Again, though, they need to be in good clean condition.

I can give you an approximate value but you will have to decide on the condition. If the white spots brush off and it isn’t mold this is how it will need to be. You can try brushing softly to see if you can remove them. Be careful; the material is wool, and you don’t want to create a spot cleaning them. Also there should be no tears or worn spots. A typical clean uniform, jacket, shirt, pants, usually goes for around $70 and the hat brings another $25-ish.

Thank you for sharing, Denny. I hope you find the uniform a new home.

Note: You might wanna try a military collector or a local antique shop in your area.

Dear Donna,

I came across this bank of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. I believe it’s copper and is in great shape. Can you provide me with a possible value? I purchased it at a local consignment store for $7. I thought this might be valuable.

Derek

Dear Derek,

Your bank is one of many; they were made for many years. Most are of different historical sites in the United States. They were very popular and I bet even today you can find more modern versions. The banks are made from pot metal. This means a mix of metals with a copper, bronze or brass wash.

The banks are great souvenirs of visits to places. You can also find themed ones like banks, presidents, cars, etc.

Finding one for $7 is a tiny treasure. The value on them varies with the subject of each one. Yours is in the range of $30. So, Derek, you did well. I hope this is the beginning of a collection for you. Thanks for sharing with us.

Note: If you find these banks and the wash/plating is chipping off, don’t buy them! Not many have value if they are damaged and worn.

Dear Donna,

I am hoping you can provide me with some advice. I am looking to purchase a three-strand pearl necklace. My son is getting married in May and I would like to give his wife pearls. My question is how do you know if buying an antique or older set, what to look for. Or should I look for a new set?

Thank you, Donna, for any advice you can share.

Linda

Dear Linda,

Great idea buying an antique set of pearls. I also think you have a bit of time for your search. Either way you go you want to get the best quality for your investment.

I think I might start off by researching what you want to look for in pearls. Remember educating yourself is the best way before any purchases. Then I might connect with a couple local jewelers. They have experience with older pearls and new ones as well. They could keep an eye out and let you know if an old set comes in. And even provide newer ones as well.

My history with real pearls is limited but I can share a couple signs with you. You want to make sure they are all individually strung in between each pearl. You want them, if older, not to be scratched or tarnished, and if strung on chain, that it be real 14KT or 18KT gold.

Linda, I think it’s a great wedding gift either old or new. I wish you luck on your journey finding the right set. Thanks for sharing.

Donna Welch has spent more than 35 years in the antiques and collectibles field, appraising and instructing. Her new location is an Antique Art Studio located in Dunbarton, NH where she is still buying and selling. If you have questions about an antique or collectible send a clear photo and information to Donna at footwdw@aol.com, or call her at 391-6550.

Hi, Donna.

I have a full-size antique brass bed that I would like to sell. I was hoping you would have some suggestions on who may be interested in buying it and if you had any idea of its value. Attached are some photos.

Michael

Dear Michael,

Even though your brass bed is at least 100 years old it is not a very desirable item these days. First of all, double beds are a tough sell. Then being brass makes it a constant clean and polish project. Most people, if they like brass, they want it treated to not tarnish. It seems like modern brass is coated to slow down the tarnishing process.

I think, Michael, if it were me selling it I would try like a local marketplace. This way you would get the most of the value for it. You can also send some photos to a local antique shop. Keep in mind that if — and that’s an if — they want it, the value would be at the most half to you and most likely less than that.

Now for a realistic value today, I would say in the $100 range. It’s worth that and to me more but that’s not I’m afraid what the market will bring for it. I wish I had better news for you Michael. I do hope you find the bed a new home. Thanks for sharing with us.

Donna

Hi, Donna.

I have a full-size antique brass bed that I would like to sell. I was hoping you would have some suggestions on who may be interested in buying it and if you had any idea of its value. Attached are some photos.

Michael

Dear Michael,

Even though your brass bed is at least 100 years old it is not a very desirable item these days. First of all, double beds are a tough sell. Then being brass makes it a constant clean and polish project. Most people, if they like brass, they want it treated to not tarnish. It seems like modern brass is coated to slow down the tarnishing process.

I think, Michael, if it were me selling it I would try like a local marketplace. This way you would get the most of the value for it. You can also send some photos to a local antique shop. Keep in mind that if — and that’s an if — they want it, the value would be at the most half to you and most likely less than that.

Now for a realistic value today, I would say in the $100 range. It’s worth that and to me more but that’s not I’m afraid what the market will bring for it. I wish I had better news for you Michael. I do hope you find the bed a new home. Thanks for sharing with us.

Donna

Hello, Donna,

I have some silver- and gold-plated items from 1920. They were given to my grandparents as a wedding gift, so I’m fairly certain of their age. Unfortunately, they aren’t in very good condition; I have attached some pictures. I’m curious if you can provide me with any information about them and what their value may be.

If there’s something I can do to improve the appearance of these items, please advise. Also, if it’s possible to refinish them, please let me know since someone who buys them may want to do so. Thanks so much. I appreciate your expertise and advice.

Peter

Dear Peter,

Silver-plated ware is a tough sell unless by certain manufacturers. Also they have to be a very ornate pattern and hard-to-find pieces. Being all made with base metals with a silver wash (plating), most common pieces are more work to keep clean and polished than their value. Peter, first, I wouldn’t clean them to market them. Nor would I polish them. I think instead of a value, think of looking for someone who wants the nostalgic look.

I looked through all your photos and feel safe saying the value for the lot would be under $50. You can’t compare the value to the memories they brought your grandparents. That’s priceless!

Peter thank you for sharing and I hope this was helpful. For selling them I might try a home sale, flea market etc.

Donna