Certainly there is a market for 'embroidered' postcards. It is worth getting them valued by a militaria dealer and your friends' collection may turn out to be surprisingly valuable! A lot will depend on how many cards he has and what condition they are in. Stamps and postmarks are also important as is the text on the cards (to a lesser extent). Many collectors of postcards specialise these days, so if he has a sizable collection it would be worth entering them in a specialist auction sale, these are held by the big London auction houses from time to time. A specialist sale will attract all the major postcard players from the UK and Europe and will probably make more of your friend's collection than selling direct to a dealer, who will naturally want to sell them on at a profit. Good Luck!
| Q |
I have
a set of the Wade Pottery, Nat West Pigs and wondered what the present
value would be? They are all perfect apart from one has lost it's rubber
stopper at the bottom.
H Potts |
| A |
Piggy banks
do not necessarily have to be old to be valuable. Case in point is your
collection of pig designs introduced about 25 years ago as a sales promotion
by the National Westminster Bank. Made by Wade, youngsters qualified for
the baby pig when they opened an account and progressed up the scale as
their savings grew. Top slot was reserved for Daddy pig, which required
a Nat West balance of £100. A complete, undamaged set is now worth
in excess of £140, so take care of it!
Wendy Ramsay
|
| Q |
Whilst
gardening, I found an Avery brass weight. It is inscribed "Avery Ltd, 8oz"
and has a circle which displays a "crown", "VR" and possibly some numbers
" ? 5 87" (are these numbers a serial No or Date?). I have been informed,
through you, that these weights are collectable but this particular weight
is possibly irretrievably discoloured and is chipped on one side. Due to
this poor condition has it any monetary value or only historical interest?
If in good condition, how much would it be worth ?
Janice
Blackburn |
| A |
Yes, Avery
brass weights are very collectable, though generally only complete sets
in good condition command worthwhile prices. Without seeing the piece I
am unable to give an accurate price for your single, badly damaged weight.
You might find the answer you're looking for from Avery directly. At their
headquarters they have an extensive museum, which houses the finest collection
of weighing apparatus and machines in the world. The museum curator has,
at his disposal, an outstanding library of reference books on the subject,
larger than that of the British Museum. He is extremely helpful and will,
I'm sure, provide you with detailed information about your weight, especially
if your written request includes a photograph. I hope this is of help to
you. His address is given below.
The Curator,
Avery Historical Weighing Museum, Avery Berkel, Foundry Lane, Smethwick,
West Midlands, B66 2LP
Fanny Watson
|
| Q |
I have
the complete set of Beatles CD's as issued by HMV in 12" square boxes with
badges, literature, pictures etc. This is from the first 4 CD's issued
in one box, through to the two Past Masters issued in black and white boxes.
I wonder if anyone can give me a rough idea of their value now. I do know
the Yellow Submarine edition is supposed to be the most rare.
David
Garner |
| A |
There is
a monthly magazine called Record Collector that gives information on Beatles
memoribilia and other groups.I have found an article that this magazine
published in April 1987 about the release of the 4 cd's - Beatles For Sale,
A Hard Days Night, With The Beatles and Please Please Me. These were mono
and Rubber Soul, Revolver, Yellow Submarine followed around May 1987. The
Yellow Submarine CD is quite rare now because it has just been re-released
about a month ago to celebrate 30 years of Yellow Submarine and it is hard
to find the original. The Yellow Submarine CD is worth about £20.00
and the box set is worth about £100-£150 depending on the condition.
Sam
CONGRATULATIONS
TO SAM BATHO, WHO WINS A £5 GIFT TOKEN AS THIS MONTH'S WACKY WINNER
|
| Q |
I have
inherited a complete set of 'The International Olympic Committee Official
First Day Cover Collection'.This comprises 52 stamps from the countries
participating in the games of 1980.The stamps are on envelopes embossed
with the Olympic symbol, a flag of that country and the countries postmark.
It also contains a brief Olympic history for each country. The set was
originally purchased from Franklin Philatelic Limited in 1979 and was the
first collection of its kind to be issued in the history of the Olympic
Games. All stamps and envelopes are in excellent condition and are still
in the original envelopes they were shipped in. There is also a storage
box with dividers that accompanied the collection. I would be grateful
for any information as to the value and/or collectability of this collection.
Joanna
Copson |
| A |
I estimate
the value to be £35.
Colin Lewis
Stamp Dealer
CONGRATULATIONS
TO COLIN LEWIS, WHO WINS A £5 GIFT TOKEN AS THIS MONTH'S WACKY WINNER
|
| Q |
Could
you please let me know how collectable the First & Second Edition of
the comic Buster the Son of Andy Capp are and whether they would have any
possible value.
David
Gayton |
| A |
Buster
#1 in Near Mint (perfect condition regardless of age) is worth about £35
and #2 about £25. As a company we're always looking to buy these.
Paul
|
| Q |
I have
a full set of Nat West Piggies. Could you give me an idea of the value,
please? Many thanks. |
| A |
Piggy banks
do not necessarily have to be old to be valuable. Case in point is your
collection of pig designs introduced about 25 years ago as a sales promotion
by the National Westminster Bank. Made by Wade, youngsters qualified for
the baby pig when they opened an account and progressed up the scale as
their savings grew. Top slot was reserved for Daddy pig, which required
a Nat West balance of £100. A complete, undamaged set is now worth
in excess of £140, so take care of it!
Wendy Ramsay
|
| Q |
I have
inherited a glass case mounted fish, it is a Dace ,weighing 13oz, caught
on the 8th september 1945. It is in good condition but is starting to show
its age, could anyone give me a value and possible places to sell.
Gary
Smart |
| A |
With respect,
this is not a particularly good example of a cased fish. It rather looks
as if it has been stuffed and mounted by an amateur rather than a professional
taxidermist. It would sell certainly but might realise between £200-300.
A better example could realise "hundreds". We could include it in a forthcoming
auction of fishing tackle and accessories.
Gussie
McDonald
Tennants
Auctioneers
|
| Q |
I have
a large ceramic bowl signed by the artist, Doris Hall. I have been told
that this bowl won the world ceramic award in 1949. I am trying to determine
the value. Can you help me or direct me to a source who can help ? Many
thanks,
Jane
Berke |
| A |
Thank you
for your enquiry concerning your large ceramic bowl, signed by the artist
Doris Hall. Despite checking in our fairly extensive library, I have been
unable to find any reference to this artist, either in books on potters
and studio artists, potters on a larger scale and also in various art books.
I am therefore unable to give you an indication of its value in this instance.
I have also had no success in tracing such an award as the "World Ceramic
Award", which you understood had been awarded to the bowl in 1949. I am
sorry that I have been unable to offer any great assistance in this matter
and can only suggest that perhaps your local museum, or the library at
the Victoria & Albert Museum, may be able to help with the work of
this artist.
Kevin Baker
|
| Q |
I have
four Spiderman Comics - Issues 237, 240, 265 and 284. They are all in excellent
condition and I was wondering how collectable they are.
J.R. |
| A |
Here's
the prices for the Spiderman Comics you have. Issue 237 is worth £6.95;
240 is valued at £2.50; 265 would fetch £6.95 and 284 is worth
£5.50. All the prices I have quoted are for perfect copies.
Paul Sassenie
|
| Q |
I have
a book called "How to Make Dolls and Doll Houses" by Tina Lee with pictures
by by Manning Lee. It was published by Doubleday & Company, Garden
City, New York in 1948. It has 64 pages and is a hardbacked book but has
no dust jacket. It contains a lot of illustrations and patterns for making
dolls, houses and furniture. It is in good condition but does have some
scribbling inside it. Would you be able to advise me an item such of this
is collectable. Thank you
Jennifer |
| A |
Unfortunately,
books about doll's houses are not my specialist subject. I do know, however,
that Dolls House World magazine recently produced a guide to available
titles. Why not give them a call on 01403 71151
Dolly Dimples
Furnishing Company
|
| Q |
I have
some really old coins and would like to know how to find out their origin
and value. One is dated 1879 and is a little worn bit but it is still very
shiny and you can clearly read everything on it. The second one is dated
1880 and although it is fairly worn it is still possible to read it and
see the picture. The next one is dated 1882 and is in great condition -
it is very shiny and hardly worn, it looks like it was printed last year.
The last one is dated 1921. It is also in good condition and very shiny.
Jason |
| A |
I hope
this may be helpful, Jason. Current valuations for all British coins can
be found in: Seaby's Standard Catalogue of British Coins published by Spink.
The overall condition of a coin is paramount to it's value. Rarity also
governs the value. Seaby's catalogue covers all British coins from the
first coins in use (Celtic) to present day coinage. The book includes a
beginers guide to coin collecting which explains the gradings and valuation
of coins. It should be available in the reference section of your local
library.
Ian Lambert.
|
| Q |
Whilst
clearing out the accumulated junk from my attic, I have found a copy of
the very first Star Wars 1st Annual from 1978. It is in pretty good condition,
though not 'mint'. Can you tell me if it is collectable or valuable? I
have also found some Rupert and Tiger annuals from the 1970s and wonder
if these are marketable?.
Mr Robinson |
| A |
I suspect
that the original StarWars annual is British and therefore not as desirable
as some of the early American literature.In perfect condition it might
fetch £8-9 so, as yours is not quite mint, I suggest you offer it
at about half this price. As for the Rupert and Tiger annuals; these are
collectable but the market is quite specialised. I would need more information
regarding the individual volumes, especially the condition of the spines
before suggesting a reserve price.
Paul Sassenie
|
| Q |
I have
a Coalbrookdale cast plate with an intricate design and is bronze in colour.
I also have another similar plate similar to that we have seen on the Antiques
road show but a valuation was not given. Does anyone know where I could
find out more about them?
Steve
Bowling |
| A |
You could
try getting in touch with the Ironbridge Gorge Museum. They have a good
selection of Coalbrookdale ceramics and will certainly have someone on
staff who can point you in the right direction for a guide price on your
piece. Contact 01952 432166 or 433522 Fax 01952 432204
Lucy Darbishire
CONGRATULATIONS
TO LUCY, WHO WINS A £5 GIFT TOKEN AS THIS MONTH'S WACKY WINNER
|
| Q |
Some
years ago I inherited an American Rocking Chair from my late aunt. I am
now interested in selling the item but I am unsure of its value. Can you
help at all or point me in the direction of a reputable dealer who may
value it for me.
Roberta
Armstrong |
| A |
I am afraid
that I cannot help out with the name of an Antiques Dealer as I do not
know where you live. But, recently I did sell an American Rocking Chair
for £180, so this might give an indication of it's worth.
Steve Dewar
|
| Q |
I have
a Welsh Dresser that is nearly 200 years old. It has been in the family
for over three generation and has a lot of sentimental value. Unfortunately
the back of the cabinet is badly damaged and I am thinking of replacing
the wood. Is this a good idea or do I risk further damaging it?
J Chapman |
| A |
My advice
regarding the dresser would be to seek the opinion of a reputable Antique
Restorer in their home area. Check the Yellow Pages or ask around and try
to find a respected restorer. If DIY was attempted I feel that more damage
could be done.
Steve Dewar
|
| Q |
Whilst
Gardening, I found a brass "Avery" 8oz weight which contains a circular
symbol. What is the history of Avery scales? And how much were they originally
and how much would these scales be worth today?
Geoff
Graham |
| A |
With regard
to your question about the 8oz Avery weight, without seeing the weight
I would suggest that it is probably the lead stamping plug which the Weight
and Measures Inspectors stamp on the weight to verify that it is of correct
weight.
These do
have a collectable value, but this varies quite considerably with age and
rarity. If you can send in a .jpg picture, I might be able to help you
more with this.
P Taylor,
Avery Berkel
|
| Q |
I have
an old fishing reel - I think it is about 50 years old and would like to
get it working again. Would I damage it by taking it apart and oiling it
myself, or should I take it to a specialist? If so, can you recommend one?
D Long |
| A |
Thank you
for your enquiry about your fishing reel. Such items are usually assembled
using specialist tools and I have seen a great many reels dismantled by
well meaning amateurs which have been irreparably damaged in the process.
Unless you have correctly fitting screwdrivers I would strongly recommend
leaving the fishing reel alone. Indeed, if it happens to be a rare model
it would probably be more valuable in an unrestored condition.
Gussie
McDonald - Tennants
|
| Q |
I am
seeking further information on Mickey Mouse Ingersoll items. Can anyone
suggest a good reference book?
Malcolm
Parker |
| A |
A Celebration
of Comic Art and Memorabilia' by Robert Lesser, Published by Hawthorn Books
Inc, New York, 1975, incorporates 50 pages on these time pieces; hope this
will fill a gap.
Fred Dinsdale
CONGRATULATIONS
TO FRED, WHO WINS A £5 GIFT TOKEN AS THIS MONTH'S WACKY WINNER
|
| Q |
A recent
magazine article on Jack Johnson the boxer made me wonder if there was
a market for post cards, photographs newspapers cuttings etc of all the
old wrestlers. I have an album of my Fathers and looking through it, I
see the prints come from a supplement to 'Health and Strength' 1906, all
in good condition (except for the album'). Perhaps you could advise me
Mrs
Beryl Libin |
| A |
Sporting
Ephemera has been catching on fast in recent years, as sporting enthusiasts
come to realise the value of old papers and pictures in broadening their
enjoyment of their chosen sport. Choice items fetch substantial amounts;
with postcards and photographs, condition is always the paramount consideration.
If you are looking for a market for your album then you might consider
offering it through Auction Hunter, which potentially reaches thousands
of specialist collectors, including buyers of sporting memorabilia.
George
Greenway
|
| Q |
I have
a plate of Poole Pottery from the 70's, I believe, orange background with
yellow and green flower like design, 10" diameter, signed on the back B.M.
is there any way I could find out how much this is worth?
Angela
Davis |
| A |
Value is
dependent on rarity and condition; without seeing an item, it's hard to
give an opinion. However, a couple of points to note with Poole Studio
wares, including, judging by the description, your piece of Delphis. The
glaze should preferably be completely uniform, without the occasional white
exposed blemishes that sometimes occurred during decoration; avoid pieces
which may have been subjected to secondary heat sources like hot surfaces,
the effects of which can show on the underside as brownish patches, and
will certainly detract from the value. Needless to say, cracks or chips
will also heavily discount the value. There is an excellent, recently issued
reference book; Poole Pottery by Leslie Hayward with Paul Atterbury, published
by Dennis, Somerset, which will further help in identifying your piece.
George
Greenway
|
| Q |
When
my son was young he received the Dandy every week. He has kept some of
the copies - they are dated about 1970. Could you tell me if I should keep
them - I had considered just throwing them out?
S McKay |
| A |
Pre 1970
British comics are, in the main, not particularly valuable. If they are
in perfect condition, (near mint, looking exactly the way they did the
day they were printed, regardless of age), they are worth about 50p each.
They are worth hanging on to as their value will slowly increase. There
aren't many dealers who stock British comics, Comic Biz does www.comic-biz.com
and would probably make an offer for them, subject to their condition.
Paul Sassienie
|
| Q |
Does
anyone out there know of an architectural salvage yard within say, a 50
mile radius of Darlington? We would like to find a Victorian fireplace,
doors and other such items with which to restore a town house sympathetically.
Any information would be very gratefully recieved. David and Elizabeth
Gill e-mail: scotton@gill2323.freeserve.co.uk |
| A |
I've never
found one in County Durham, but there is a very large on in Garforth, near
Leeds, which is about 55 miles from Darlington. They are listed in the
Leeds Yellow pages.
Victor
Haynes
CONGRATULATIONS
TO MARIE, WHO WINS
|
| Q |
Does
anyone out there know of an architectural salvage yard within say, a 50
mile radius of Darlington? We would like to find a Victorian fireplace,
doors and other such items with which to restore a town house sympathetically.
Any information would be very gratefully recieved. David and Elizabeth
Gill e-mail: scotton@gill2323.freeserve.co.uk |
| A |
I've never
found one in County Durham, but there is a very large on in Garforth, near
Leeds, which is about 55 miles from Darlington. They are listed in the
Leeds Yellow pages.
Victor
Haynes
CONGRATULATIONS
TO MARIE, WHO WINS A £5 GIFT TOKEN AS THIS MONTH'S WACKY WINNER
|
| Q |
Can
anyone tell me if a Celtic Football Club supporter's site exists on the
Internet and whether there is a specific site for Lloyd Loom enthusiasts?
Steven
Smith |
| A |
Yes Steven!
There is a site dedicated to Celtic Football Club. You'll find it at: http://www.celticfc.co.uk
I don't know much about Lloyd Loom collectors, but you might try contacting
Spaldings at this web address: www.lloydloom.com/
Marie McDonald
CONGRATULATIONS
TO MARIE, WHO WINS A £5 GIFT TOKEN AS THIS MONTH'S WACKY WINNER
|
| Q |
Dear
Sir, Would you know any architectural salvage yards within say, a 50 mile
radius of Darlington. We would like to find a Victorian fireplace, doors
and other such items with which to restore a town house sympathetically.
Any information would be very gratefully recieved.
David
and Elizabeth Gill |
| A |
I do not
personally know of any architectural salvage yards in the area. Try looking
in Yellow Pages or what about the Internet?. A compound search engine such
as www.chubba.com may turn something up.
Steven
Dewar
|
| Q |
I have
recently inherited a large sideboard which has the words GILLOW & CO,
LANCASTER stamped on the drawer as well as a number L5116. It has three
cupboard doors which are heavily carved and two drawers.It also has a back
and shelf above the main surface. My aunt bought it over fifty years ago
from a sale at Henley Hall near Ludlow.I need to know where I can get reliable
and honest advice regardingits value as I understand that Gillow furniture
is quite collectable.Regards,
Annie
Wood |
| A |
Gillows
furniture is very popular and can be very expensive. The company were producing
furniture fron the Late 18th Century onwards, so the age of your piece
would make a massive difference. My best advice would be to ask a reputable
local Auctioneer to scrutinise it "in viva" for an accurate guide price.
It WILL be worth something, though, however recent it is!
Steven
Dewar
|
| Q |
Hi,
just been having a look through AuctionHunter on thisislancashire, maybe
you coule give us some guidlines as to what we could do with a radiogramme
(if that is the correct word for it). It belongs to my partner and was
given to him by his grandmother I think. We have lots of old 1950's records
as well. the radiogramme is dated 1950 with original documents, in a nice
looking cabinet for the period I suppose! What might it be worth and who
would be interested in it?
Hope
you can help
Michelle
Wood |
| A |
Regarding
the radiogram, I am afraid that it may not be worth a lot of money. Radiogram's
of that age are just not quite old enough to be collectable and they are
quite large items of furniture, too. You may find the records are though,
check out Record Fairs in your vicinity, or why not try listing them on
AuctionHunter? Records are a very popular category.
Steven
Dewar
AuctionHunter
advice: Why not list it on the site with a reserve price and gauge the
market?
|
| Q |
I recently
acquired a large watercolour (approx 24 x 18 inches) dated 1959 and signed
by the artists DM & EM Alderson (who I am distantly related to). It
depicts a large horses head in the centre with 8 smaller pictures of a
horse and rider performing various dressage movements around it. The horse
and rider in question are Mrs Lorna Johnstone and Rosie's Dream and the
painting was commissioned to commemorate their taking part in the Olympic
Games. Would you be able to give me an idea of what the painting might
be worth ?Many thanks
Julie
Kidd |
| A |
The Alderson
Sisters are selling quite well at this time, and Darlington is the right
place to sell them. Our last watercolour of a race horse about the same
size as your sold for £550. I would expect yours to be in that region.
Steven
Dewar
|
