Category: Treasure Hunt

Dear Donna,

Time to clean out. Wondering if there is any value to these homemade Barbie-size doll clothes made by my mom for my sister and myself. I have fond memories of playing with them. Tried to pass them on but no interest these days. What to do with them?

Thank you, Donna.

Cynthia

Dear Cynthia,

Your dresses bring back memories for me as well.

Handmade doll clothes (hand-stitched and sewing machine-made) can be collectible. I think the older the better, and detailing, material, condition etc. all come into play for value.

Barbie-era clothes would all have value to a collector. The patterns on ones like yours are so “modern”-looking. How fun to mix in with original Barbie outfits.

The value I think is in the buyer. I would think in the $5+ range for each outfit. The elaborate or wild could even bring lots more!

Cynthia, thanks for the memory and I hope you find a new home for the clothes.

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 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 [email protected], or call her at 391-6550.

Dear Donna,

Can you suggest ways for me to find two more of these feet? I have a table that has two missing. It was my grandma’s and I’m trying to restore it for my dining room. I think the foot is brass and measures 3 inches by 2 inches. Thanks for any help!

Brad

Dear Brad,

I’m thinking your table must be a Duncan Phyfe-style table. The paw feet are common and get slid on to the end of the table legs.

I would start by looking at flea markets in your area. Take it with you to try for an exact match. If not you might find three others that will fit.

Next I would call a few antiques shops and explain what you have. Sometimes shop dealers carry many furniture replacement parts.

Also you might want to try a furniture refinishing place. They too usually have extra parts set aside.

Brad, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1 to $10 each depending on where you find them.

I don’t think your hunt will be too hard. There are many feet of this style around still today. Thanks for asking and have fun hunting!

Dear Donna,

Is this record player a throw-away? Would someone use this still? Thank you for any help.

Amy

Dear Amy,

My No. 1 rule is there is almost always a reason to save things from the past.

Your Webcor Lark record player is from the 1950s. Being a portable one, it does have its charm.

To determine whether there is value, you have to consider its overall condition, whether it is a complete unit, and whether it’s in working condition.

Let’s just say yes is the answer to all. The value would be in the $75 range to a record or player collector. If it’s not in working condition I would say there’s some value for any working parts.

I think for marketing it I would start at a retail store that sells old records, for both selling and more information.

I hope this was helpful, Amy, and that you can find a new home for your player.

Hello, Donna,

I have had these two candlesticks for about 45 years and have always wondered what their value may be. They are from my grandparents. I believe they are brass, and they are stamped on the bottom Tiffany Studios New York 1201. Could you give me a value on them?

Thank you.

Lisa

Dear Lisa,

Beautiful set of Tiffany Studios candlesticks!

Your bronze gold dore (meaning bronze with a gold gilt/wash over them) candlesticks date to the early 1900s. They are called cat’s paw due to the streamline design ending in a paw bottom. They appear to be in great original condition.

The value on them as a pair would be in the $3,000 range to a collector. Singles sell for less each. Having both makes them more desirable.

Lisa, your grandparents left you a treasure that will do nothing but increase with time. Enjoy them!

Hope this was helpful, Jake.

Hello, Donna,

I have had these two candlesticks for about 45 years and have always wondered what their value may be. They are from my grandparents. I believe they are brass, and they are stamped on the bottom Tiffany Studios New York 1201. Could you give me a value on them?

Thank you.

Lisa

Dear Lisa,

Beautiful set of Tiffany Studios candlesticks!

Your bronze gold dore (meaning bronze with a gold gilt/wash over them) candlesticks date to the early 1900s. They are called cat’s paw due to the streamline design ending in a paw bottom. They appear to be in great original condition.

The value on them as a pair would be in the $3,000 range to a collector. Singles sell for less each. Having both makes them more desirable.

Lisa, your grandparents left you a treasure that will do nothing but increase with time. Enjoy them!

Hope this was helpful, Jake.

Feature Photo: Tiffany candlesticks.

Dear Donna,

OK, can you help me figure this out? It says Ralston on it. It’s also marked “Eat Ralston Daily.”

Can you help?

Jake

Dear Jake,

I’m not quite sure how it works but it somehow tells time. When you hold it up to the sun it can turn and give you time.

It’s a Ralston cereal toy (premium). The company produced cereal from the late 1800s to the 1990s. The name probably seems more familiar as Ralston Purina.

I can remember when I was younger begging my mom to buy any cereal with a good toy in it. Premiums are collectible and range from a dollar to very high values, depending on what it is, from what cereal, how many were produced and condition.

The value of yours, Jake, is in the $40 range to a collector. So a nice little premium find.

Hope this was helpful, Jake.

Feature Photo: Vintage Cereal Toy. Courtesy Photo.