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Elle always welcomes responsible replies to any of her postings and additional information is always appreciated.

Please read my article on selling prices as it relates to all values given for VALUE type questions

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Subject: Ronald McDonald doll
Question:I have an Ronald McDonald Doll that was manufactured by Hasbro industries in 1978 for McDonald Corporation. It is about 21 inches tall, it has a cloth body with plastic head, hands, & feet, it has red yarn hair it has a whistle hanging around it`s neck you can stick in a hole in it`s mouth and blow by squeezing it`s stomach.

I would like to know the value. It`s in ok condition, I don`t know if it came in a box originally, it was given to me about 5 years ago.

Thank you,
Becky
Answer:Hi Becky!,
Your description is really top notch except for your condition statement of "ok" that is hard to quantify. I will, therefore, call it "good" on the scale of Poor to Mint.

You didn't mention the included Grimace figure that Ronald had in his pocket and this, along with the whistle, is usually missing (one or the other or both) so I can only assume he is missing. This doll is a great scale and has a lot of appeal simply for display value so even with missing parts he's not a total loss.

In good condition, with whistle, Ronald would sell in the $50 range. The price would be slightly less at a McDonald convention where many of these dolls end up.

Thanks,
Elle

P.S. Let me break in here for the general public as it seems it is time, yet again, for my lecture about providing enough information for me to respond to your questions. Currently nearly 50% of questions are getting trashed for various reasons with the three biggest culprits being lack of information (even obvious information like dating, marks, size, etc.) , duplicate question that has already been answered and (get this!) an incorrect Email address. I would ask that everyone take a moment to read some of the top reasons why your question might not be answered before they submit a question to me.

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Subject: Moon walk commemorative plaque
Question:I have a small wood wall hanger 41/2" x 31/2",it has an aluminum covered front. On this front is an earth and moon with these words below: "HERE MEN FROM THE PLANET EARTH FIRST SET FOOT UPON THE MOON JULY 1969 AD WE CAME IN PEACE FOR ALL MANKIND".

It is signed in copies of these signatures; Richard Nixon,Neil A. Armstrong,Michael Collins and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. Is it worthless?

Thanks
Tony
Answer:Hi Tony!,
If you smell Pop culture these days, it's probably not worthless.

There is an increased interest in early space race related items and your plaque, though small, would have appeal to this growing group of collectors.

Your plaque would sell for around $25 in a Collectibles shop.

Tony, we DON'T have a problem!
Elle

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Subject: Teen magazines in general, Monkee covers in particular
Question:Dear Elle,
I have a stack of Tiger Beat and 16 Magazine from 1968, all with the Monkees on the covers.

Please help me,
Sean
Answer:Funk & Junk® would like to take a moment to express their sincere condolences to the family and friends of all of those tragically lost during the recent terrorist attacks.

In addition to the innocent lives lost in both cities and in the sky, this includes the all too often under thanked Police, Fireman, Rescue workers and other similar personnel who put their lives on the line and all too often tragically lose them in their gallant and completely unselfish attempts to save other lives. They are nothing less than heroes who continue their tireless efforts despite the proven danger and risk.

Our thoughts are with you all during these impossibly difficult times.

Hi Sean,
A few articles ago I reminded everyone to review possible reasons why your question might not be answered
and I have to mention it again. Even though I am going to address your question, the answer will be somewhat vague since you haven't let me know the condition of your paper items. I've also mentioned before that the condition of paper items is critical to their value so it is really an important piece of information. Don't get me wrong, your not, unfortunately, alone so I'm not speaking directly to you but, rather, using my forum yet again in the hopes that seeing it in writing multiple times will be enough to change submissions I receive. I am close to eliminating even more questions that are submitted either incomplete, not written in sentence form complete with capitalization, etc.. This is something that I really don't want to do since I know everyone is sincere in their inquiries and I'm already trashing a large percentage of questions for the various reasons (some of which are outlined in the link above) but I simply don't have the time to caveat every response I make or to rewrite improperly written questions.

O.K., off the soap box and on to your question.

The value of Teen magazines does have a good deal to do with the cover picture and story but the interior articles and pictures may have as much, if not more, impact depending on what's enclosed. Many of the stars that are written about as Teen idols have tie-in collectiblity with T.V. shows and Movies and may often be marketed more as a collectible for these stars rather than the cover star or band. So in addition to a statement of condition it might have helped narrow down values with some highlights from inside some or all of the magazines. Often times certain examples will sell for greater than the broad value range I will quote. Value may also be increased when a half size or full size poster(s) is included.

Mint examples are always the best, of course, but a certain amount of normal reading wear and tear is expected and accepted. Most Teen magazines, in at least good/lightly read condition, sell in the $12 to $22 range.

Thanks,
Elle

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Subject: Howdy Doody "Put on a Puppet Show" figures
Question:I'd like to know the value of Howdy Doody plastic figurines from the 50's with moveable mouths about 4" high. There were 4 types: Howdy,Dilly Dally, Princess Summer/Fall Winter /Spring and Flub a Dub.

Richard
Answer:Hi Richard,
I will assume that your request is a general one versus owning the items yourself since that is how the questions appears to be worded. Regardless, there is not condition noted so I will place the value on Near-Mint to Mint on card condition. The card makes all the difference on the presentation of these otherwise standard figures.

These small plastic figures came on a card with the title "Put on your own puppet show" and were produced by Tee-Vee toys. There were 5 figures in the set and each of them had small levers to move their mouths. To the best of my knowledge the set included Howdy, Dilly Dally, Bluster, Princess SummerFall WinterSpring and Clarabelle. I am fairly certain that Flub a Dub was not included.

Mint on card these rather plain figures sell for $200-225. Just for completeness sack, without the card the set would sell for around $150 so you can see the importance of the card.

Thanks,
Elle

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Subject: Coca-Cola (Coke) syrup jug
Question:Hi there Elle!
I have a Coca-Cola one gallon glass syrup jug. The label is in good condition...slightly faded. The label reads: "Syrup for fountain use, chill before serving"

The directions for fountain service read, "This syrup should be mixed in proportions of one part syrup and five parts cold carbonated water. When serving a drink in a 6-ounce container, use one ounce of finely chipped ice. In larger size drinks use the same proportionate amount of ice".

Another place on the label it has the slogan, "Things Go Better with Coke".

On the other side of the label..."A beverage syrup, prepared with sugar and water; phosphoric acid, caffeine, extracts from Coca leaves (Cocaine removed) and Cola nuts, and other flavoring material; colored with caramel." Under that it reads, "The syrup in this package is ready for use. Any change or alteration except for the usual method of dispensing to the consumer, as indicated on this label, will constitute an invasion of the rights of the Coca-Cola company. For service only as a single drink through soda fountains Post-mix cup machines and other equipment where the drink is mixed at the point-of-sale."

The label is green with a red Coca-Cola symbol and picture of a cup of Coke in the middle. The actual jug is just a plain Ball one gallon glass container. The lid reads, "Coca-Cola...Do not accept if seal is broken". There is a code punched into the label. It looks like 6C320926.

I have no idea how old this is or what it is worth.

Thank you so much and I'm looking forward to hearing from you!!
Amy
Answer:Hi Amy!,
I have to answer your question if for no other reason then your exemplary description. You have taken the time to detail every possible clue you could see and I wish more would make such efforts.

The biggest clue, without a picture, is the slogan "Things go better with Coke". This dates your fountain use jug to the mid 60's / very early 70's.

The earlier jars are more valuable than yours (plus they HAVE the cocaine!) but there are a large number of collectors both of Soda Fountain memorabilia as well as advertising collectors who would still welcome your bottle into there collection. Retail for your very good condition (if only slightly faded as you indicate) jug would fall into the $30-35 range.

Thanks,
Elle

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Subject: Howdy Doody and Davy Crockett jelly character glasses
Question:I wanted to ask the value of two glasses (I think jelly jars) four inches tall. One is Davy Crockett with a white design showing Davy striking and Indian with a tomahawk who is falling down. In pink lettering around the bottom it says "When Davy met an Indian foe-he dealt him just one mighty blow" and "Davy Crockett".

The other is a Welch's Howdy Doody glass dated 1953 on the glass. The top has a music score done in white lettering that says "Hey kids! (Musical note) What a shot(another musical note) Just like (two musical notes)Welch's (music note) it hits the (music note)spot(music note). The picture on the glass is done in green and shows Howdy Doody shooting and arrow past an Indian maiden at a clown with an apple pierced by and arrow on his head.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Tricia
Answer:Hi Tricia,
I'm certain that your Howdy glass was a jelly filled jar from Welch's but I'm not certain what came in the Davy glass. If it wasn't jelly then it might have been cheese which was another popular fill for character, but mostly "Swanky Swig", glasses.

Your descriptions are really great except for the critical condition statement. Condition is very important on these glasses since many of them have been machine washed causing a lightening or removal of part of the image. Only the rarest of glasses sell quickly below good (used but bright image with little wear) condition.

Your Howdy Doody glass is in the second release of 6 in a set of 12 jelly glasses Welchs released in 1953. You should also see one of the characters heads embossed on the bottom of the glass. Most glasses sell in the same range of $35-$45, depending on condition, though there are a couple of rarer designs that can sell for $55+.

Your Davy glass is one of the cooler Davy images and this glass would sell for $25-30. This glass was also manufactured in the mid-50's.

Thanks,
Elle

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Subject: Eisenhower (Ike) doll
Question:I'm trying to find out the value of a General Eisenhower doll produced by Effanbee in the 1980's.

Thanks!
Susan
Answer:Hi Susan,
Effanbee has been making great dolls for many years and yours is a part of a later run of historical and entertainment icons. All of the dolls in this series are meticulously made and include detailed molded faces and nicely tailored, period, clothing. They are a large scale (usually about 18") and make for a nice display piece.

The entertainment dolls tend to sell better and for more money than the historical ones but Ike still has some draw.

You fail to mention the condition of your doll and these dolls came in window front boxes too which I can only assume you no longer have. Eisenhower would sell in the $35-55 range depending on condition.

Thanks,
Elle

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Subject: World Trade Center items, collectible or not?
Question:I have a 2001 calendar that has the World Trade Center picture on the month of September. It also has a white truck on it with the American eagle on it. The other months on the calendar, only have pictures of big rigs on it. Do you think this calendar will be worth something, someday?

pattykaks
Answer:Hi pattykaks,
Kind of a slippery question and you probably wont be happy with my less than distinct answer. Certainly other disaster related items from the past have indeed become collectible to some. It really comes down to the nature of the disaster in my opinion.

For example, there are very strong feelings, in both directions, with regards to Nazi items and holocaust related artifacts. Some say that it is an important piece of history that not only needs to be preserved but displayed in order to prevent such atrocities from occurring in the future and so that future generations never forget. Others hold that the "collecting" of these items should be stopped at all cost, including the personal freedom to do so. Case in point is the banning of such items from most online auction sites. It is true, by the way, that there are some sickos out there who collect at least the Nazi related items for the wrong reasons. Personally I don't want anything to do with these types of items though I think that stopping all trading of these items is not right. The fact of the matter is that like any other restricted item, the people (sick or not) who want those restricted items will get them.

Will the intense, wide ranging, emotions related to the WTC disaster fade enough such that collectors will pay a premium for related items? Will the trading of these items fall victim to political correctness and be limited? Only time will tell but I would wager that your item, at least, will not yield a high value even if such a collecting trend occurs. I believe it is somewhat morose for me to place a potential value on your calendar though I don't fault you for asking your question. In fact, I usually shy away from speculating the future value of any collectible anyway.

Not only do I not fault you for your legitimate question but I'm grateful since your questions is an important one and raises a related issue that is already occurring and revolves around just such speculation. I find all of the following instances deplorable and the people participating as extremely low on the human being scale. Many people are capitalizing not only on the American flag shortage but also on the WTC, NY and threatened monuments market. Though you may think those vans that have popped up on the roadsides full of American flags and merchandise are backed by American pride I find them to be backed by nothing more than opportunist greed. As if this was not bad enough I can't tell you the number of instances where I have seen the jacking up of prices for all old/newer merchandise featuring the NY skyline.

Granted, this type of activity in the Antiques/Collectibles business has always had a large presence. Consider the death of a star, athlete, etc. and the prices on related items the next day. This kind of price hiking has little basis save for the rarest and oldest of items. Markets rarely work in such a manner that such drastic increases in prices are felt literally from one day to the next, it is usually a gradual increase. You may counter that it is simply a matter of supply and demand but I hold that most of these dealers have no concrete knowledge of the actual supply/demand of these items but are simply attempting to make higher profits from the equally uneducated new/novice collectors of such items. The American flag market both in person and online is a great example of this. I can only hope that those outrageous prices realized, mostly online, are followed by the donation of the lions share to a disaster relief fund.

So I leave it up to you whether your calendar is worth keeping for an extended period of time but I will add that even when disaster related items to become valuable that most commercial paper items receive the most modest values.

Thanks,
Elle

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Subject: Superhero "moon back" character glasses
Question:I am looking for values on a 1976 Supergirl Pepsi super series D C comic glass with an orange moon , 1976 Wonder Women D C comic Pepsi glass with a red moon, 1976 Shazam DC comic with a blue moon, green arrow orange moon 1976 Pepsi made by national periodical publication. also a 1976 superman moon color yellow DC comic.

Thank you for your time and help,
Carolyn
Answer:Hi Carolyn,
These glasses all come from a 1976 set of 14 usually referred to as "circle or moon back" glasses. All of these glasses have a considerable value and most are difficult to find. Your glasses, in particular, are some of the tougher to locate and higher priced ones.

Other glasses in this set include;

Wonder Woman, Shazam and Supergirl sell for $75 as do Green Arrow, Green Lantern, Penguin and Riddler. Batgirl can reach $100 and the remaining are usually $60.

I've mentioned it before but it warrants saying again, character glasses are getting increasingly harder to find and the prices of good characters continues to rise. No longer are these glasses found at every yard sale and flea market as was common 10 years ago. Character glasses (remember, "good/collectible" characters) are one of my picks for good future value so keep your eyes open.

Thanks,
Elle

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Subject: Disneyland coupon book
Question:My mother saved four used coupon books from Disneyland most likely from the early eighties. Back then you paid an entry fee and were allotted a number of coupons for each section of the park. Of course you had to use coupons wisely as there were more rides then coupons. We, however, did not use all of them for each section and she has the booklets from one trip.

How much could they be worth.?

Vinessa
Answer:Hi Vinessa,
Ephemera from Disneyland is highly sought after and ride tickets, books and maps are on top of the list. As with all paper items, condition is critical and you have failed to mention this important point.

However, it is somewhat irrelevant since to date the tickets and books that are most highly prized are those from the 50's and 60's . Early "E" tickets alone can sell for $15+ with full books bringing $75+, both in excellent or better condition. Maps, by the way, can sell from $45 to hundreds for the earliest (1958 is the first) versions.

Given time your book may increase in price but it will always pale in comparison to the early Disneyland versions. Not knowing how many tickets are in you book nor the condition puts me in an impossible position but suffice to say that a near complete book in excellent or better condition would probably sell for $20+ in a collectibles shop.

Thanks,
Elle

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Subject: Games, assorted
Question:Hi Elle!,
I'm really hooked on your column, it's yet another reason to stop back at Funk & Junk® (as if their stuff isn't enough!).
I have a few games that I'm curious as to value. I'm sending the whole list but feel free to pick and choose since I realize your time is at a premium. Here are the games along with the overall condition;

  1. Murder She Wrote (1985), NM
  2. Godfather Game (1971), NM
  3. James Bond, Message from "M" (1966), VG-
  4. Probe (1964)
  5. Dealer's Choice (car salesman) 1972, NM

Thanks in advance and keep it up please!,
Jack
Answer:Hi Jack!,
Well, you snuck in a real keeper on your list, can you guess which one? Thanks for the nice comment and everyone should feel free to submit as many items in a category as they want. Often times I will tackle an entire list if they are from a similar or identical category as the workload is more or less the same.

Without further ado, here are your retail values;

  1. Murder She Wrote (1985), NM - $35
  2. Godfather Game (1971), NM - Great figural box for this unlicensed Godfather movie tie-in, it's shaped like a "violin" case, $40
  3. James Bond, Message from "M" (1966), VG- - Yes, this is the one. The most valuable and sought after Bond game and your condition keeps the value very high though Mint examples can bring considerably more, $250+
  4. Probe (1964) - this is what we call a "generic" game and these games, to date, have little appeal other than reminiscent game play, $12-15
  5. Dealer's Choice (car salesman) 1972, NM - This game has seen a lot of growth in the last 5 years or so, $50

Thanks,
Elle

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Subject: Fred Flintstone riding Dino battery operated toy
Question:I have this battery operated Dino the Dinosaur with Fred siting on top. The maker is Louis Marx its mostly metal with Purple cloth. The Fred figure is metal and both Fred and Dino have rubber heads. The toy is in very good condition and I would like to know a value.

Dean
Answer:Hi Dean,
First a public service announcement (again!). Please read the "reasons your question might not be answered".
I have become very strict and after answering this question I will no longer complete sentences, change small letters (usually ALL of them) to capitals, and other basic corrections. I don't expect you to not have a mistake or two (I certainly make them!) but I should be able to simply cut and paste your question into my column for the most part. Don't send readable and complete questions and I simply wont respond, sorry. Thanks!

The Marx company is famous for their quality tin wind-up and battery operated toys. Your toy was manufactured in 1962 along with the almost immediate success of this still running cartoon show.

Your toy is an impressive one indeed with a length of 18" and coveted by both Flintstones fans and battery operated collectors. In very good condition this toy sells in the $250-$325 range. A boxed, mint, example can easily bring over $600!

Thanks,
Elle

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Subject: General Mills Honey Bee mascot stuffed toy
Question:Hi Elle,
I have what looks like a 50's or early 60's version of the stuffed Honey Bee from Cheerios. It is 16" tall and the bee is licking it's lips. It is a traditional stuffed doll with White vinyl eyes with Black buttons in the center. It also has felt for the antenna, tail and wings.

The label says "Animal Fair". I can't find any references to either to doll itself or even the Animal Fair company so I'm curious as to it's age and value.

The doll shows what I would call less than normal handling "wear" in the form of a fuzzy exterior and would say that overall it is in excellent or, at least, VG+ condition.

Thanks,
Brook
Answer:Hi Brook,
You probably haven't found any references to at least the doll itself because you have a fairly rare 1950's mascot doll from General Mills. Animal Fair is fairly well known to collectors but I'm not surprised that cursory research yields no hits for that either. Though he is related to Cheerios today, he was a more general (excuse the pun!) General Mills mascot in the 50's.

Stuffed cereal mascot dolls can bring big bucks and even some decent money when the condition is less than perfect. Your example is a dream come true since it sounds like it was not loved to death. I actually have not come across many of these dolls but I have seen a few real sales in the past 5 years or so. Two of these sales were of the "Twinkles" the Elephant stuffed doll (not by Animal Fair however) and both examples sold in the $800 range (both were Exc+ to NM). The other sale was your Honey Bee doll and in slightly lesser condition, and 3+ years ago, sold for over $200. The later sale happened at Funk & Junk® via their Web site.

Taking all of this information along with some further research as to the state of the market (which is great!) I would say that in a retail setting you could expect to get at least $275 for your doll. This could go considerably higher depending on the supply these days and given that demand has been very good for a number of years it wouldn't surprise me at all. Keep in mind that though buyers for such dolls can be ravenous, they may take a little while to find you example depending on where you sell it. So if you go to sell it be patient.

Thanks,
Elle

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Subject: Snoopy with balloons coffee mug
Question:I would like to know how much this mug is worth. On the bottom it says Peanuts Characters: Copr. C 1958, 1965
United Feature Syndicate, Inc.
Another Determined Production.

[snoopy mug]
Click for larger picture




Thanks for your help,
Teresa
Answer:Hi Teresa,
First, thanks for the picture. Wish more would take the time to send on along as it really helps spice up the column.

I'm not sure that I've mentioned it before but it warrants mentioning a fact regarding the dating of Peanuts merchandise. Very few Peanuts items show the actual date of manufacture but show, instead, the copyright dates for the Peanuts characters. In your case I could easily believe the 1965 date and you mug is certainly either from then or early 1970's. Everyone should be careful when buying Peanuts items advertised as very early since may sellers are unaware of the copyright information. The look of the character is often a clue to the dating of the item and with a little exposure to the numerous items available you can easily get within a few years of the manufacture date based on the appearance of the character(s).

Snoopy, in my experience, is by far the most popular standard character from the Peanuts gang and you mug in excellent or better condition would sell for $22+ (sorry, the plus is for the condition gap). Chips and the like will drastically reduce the price since usability of such items is critical to the sale.

Thanks,
Elle

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Subject: Cookie Monster hand puppet
Question:Hey, Elle!

Frequent reader, first time writer. Anyway, I've seen a few "Muppet" questions on your site from time to time, and have one of my own.

I found recently at a garage sale a "Cookie Monster" hand puppet. It is a 10 inches tall when on your hand, with a foot wide arm span. He has plastic eyes mounted to his head and a hole in the back of his mouth to place, well, cookies of course. There is a string with a plastic loop at the end that descends from his inside and is attached to a plastic rod that extends from the tip of one arm to the next in order to make his arms move while your other hand manipulates his mouth. He is in near excellent condition, ( a little fading on his paws is all that betrays his age!) and his tag is very vague. (Sesame Street Educational Toys, a subsidiary of Topper Inc; Sewn in Jamaica B.W.I.; copyright Muppets Inc. a Jim Henson Muppet Puppet). There is no date, but I had one exactly like it when I was three or four (1977-78)!

Since I paid only .25 for him, (amazing, isn't it!), I am just a little curios how much I would have had to pay had I seen him in a shop. ('cause I'd have bought him just the same, I loved mine so much as a child!).

Thank you for all your help, and remember, "C is for Cookie, that's good enough for me!"
AceTheBatHound
Answer:Hi AceTheBatHound!,
The clue to dating your puppet, in addition to your own similar recollections, is the Topper label. Topper toys was a very well known toy company producing many varieties of toys in the 50-70's. Secret Sam items come to mind immediately as one of their longer running toy lines though there were many others.

I've actually not seen your particular version before. Similar smaller gauge Cookie Monster hand puppets from the late 70's/early 80's sell in the $25 dollar range. However, these puppets lack the additional semiprofessional touch of an arm bar. There are also a grouping of larger scale Muppet puppets that sell in the $45-65 range depending on the character. These puppets have hard plastic or rubber heads/hands and can be nearly twice the size of your Cookie Monster. Taking all this into account I would estimate that your puppet, in excellent condition would sell in the neighborhood of $35. Even with the give or take you certainly made a nice buy. Early Muppet items continue to heat up in the market. An early "look" makes for an easy sale since current Muppet items have developed a slicker look that does not appeal to most older fans (kids love 'em both!).

Thanks for reading and writing!
Elle

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Subject: 78 rpm record sets (Bing Crosby, etc.)
Question:Elle,
I have 5 album sets, that appear to be ceramic. They are 78 RPM from individuals like Bing Crosby (I can't remember the others at the moment). They are in the original leather bound, according style jackets. My grandmother purchased these about 50 years ago and each set has at least 3 albums. How much would these be worth today?

Thank You,
Michelle
Answer:Hi Michelle,
Without the names of the artists on the record sets I can only talk in general terms and with regard to Bing Crosby.

Both Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra were 2 of the most prolific producers of records in the 40's and 50's and, therefore, there are a lots of records around. As I've mentioned before, and generally speaking, the more items on the market the more controlled the price. The more desirable of the two artists is certainly Sinatra but even these records garner moderate prices.

Records from the early eras are indeed fragile and your likening them to ceramic is just since a hard hit on a hard surface is likely to crack or break your record completely. I would suspect that the cases are a faux leather rather than real, though it is not unheard of to find nicer set jackets they were usually not on the mass release sets (which I can only assume yours are without further information).

78 records for the most part are also a limited market with the biggest following coming from those who own gramophones and the like. You might also find a modern DJ or two picking some up to sample into their music. Yet another factor to keep prices down.

Keeping in mind that the artists featured are critical to the value (with some wide variation to the prices noted below) with some Jazz record labels and artists getting the greatest prices the prices for your sets are going to only average $8-$15 for a set of 4 in their original multi-sleeve jackets with hard covers. This price, too, is in a retail venue. Nice pictures on the fronts are always a help and, in some cases, may make the sale regardless of the contents.

Ba-Ba-Ba-Bye,
Elle (probably got to be pretty old to get this one!)

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Subject: Charlie Weaver battery operated toy, what to do when he stops smoking
Question:The smoke that comes out of the ears and mouth of my Charlie Weaver Bartender is becoming less visible. Is there a way of replacing whatever it uses to smoke?

Thank You
James
Answer:Hi James,
The original cardboard insert that was fitted into the bottom compartment of Charlie Weaver noted that a lack of smoke was due to weakening batteries and once fresh batteries were inserted, smoke would again appear.

Could be a mechanism involved that I'm not familiar with but I would imagine that over time it would no longer smoke if it had been used over the years despite replacing the batteries. Most of these smoking battery operated toys used standard household oil to provide the smoke. A quick inspection of one of my Charlies didn't immediately yield a hole to place more oil (just a few drops please) into as seen on other smoking battery operated toys. Certainly try the new, just out of the package, batteries but if that doesn't work than do a complete inspection of the toy to see if you can find a small access hole few a few drops of oil. You could also take the toy apart to find out if the oil can be replaced inside but be careful with the tab closures since too much bending back and forth may eventually break them off.

Good luck,
Elle

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Subject: Dr. Kromedome Six Million Dollar man figure
Question:Hi,
I have a boxed Mego Dr. Kromedome, the Bionic Villain made exclusively by Wards during the 70's. One person tells me it's worth $950.00 boxed, another $450.00.

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Romolo.
Answer:Hi Romolo,
A little bit of a tricky question since your figure is certainly the rarest of the Six Million Dollar man / Bionic woman line. Though values can be placed on most collectibles with current market information, trends, etc., the rare items often times can break the mold.

Your figure, in my opinion is closer the the $450 price (Mint in Box, by the way) than the $950 price but given the right competition and venue to sell it in it could easily break that mark. Could it get to $950 today? I don't think so but I wouldn't be surprised to find someone who would pay $500 or $550 for a mint in mint box figure.

I would place a normal fair market value on it of $350-$450 depending on the condition of both the figure and box which you fail to mention.

Thanks,
Elle

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Subject: Striptease highball glasses
Question:What would two 8 0z. Playboy drinking glasses be worth. I believe they are from around 1969. They both have clothes which disappear when cold liquid is added. One is a dark haired woman, shown from the knees up holding a multicolored umbrella, in a rain suit which disappears. The other is a dark haired woman, shown from the navel up, holding glasses between her right hand and mouth, dressed in a bra which disappears.

Thank you,
Michelle
Answer:Hi Michelle,
Though there may be another set of these I don't believe so and here's what I know. These glasses were put out in boxed sets of 4 and made for Spencer's gifts retail chain in 1977. They were called "Striptease" glasses and later were issued with their male counterparts.

Biggest problem with these glasses is the fading over time of the already thin disappearing veil covering the models. With the veil all but gone the value is significantly diminished. You, like too many others unfortunately, failed to mention condition. My new method of handling such requests will be to simply note the Mint condition price of items submitted without grading (if I answer them at all). Most items can be figured from the Mint price but it is not always so easy. I put out the general plea yet again to make certain you have given me a very good idea of the condition of your items and I promise this will be the last public service message on this point.

Mint striptease glasses sell for $12-15 each.

Thanks,
Elle

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Subject: Beatles playing cards
Question:A friend of mine has a deck of cards with the Beatles on them. They are in excellent condition. The only thing wrong is she does not have the box they came in. She said the date of them are 1957. Could you give me an idea on what they may be worth?

Beth 2-3.5 3-5
Answer:Hi Beth,
Have to be careful with this one and it would have been nice to know where and when she got the cards. They have been reproduced (including the box) at least once and, obviously, the reproduction would be a very small fraction of the value of the old set. Dates and other licensing information will likely be the same on the reproductions and originals. Though I don't currently have a set to compare, unscrupulous reproductions often have no indication that they have been redone (like putting the manufacture date on the new set).

By the way, don't get me wrong. There is room in the market for such reproduction and it is especially true with rare items and items by the nature of their use are hard to find in good condition. As long as they are marked as such and made with an eye for detail and quality I usually welcome them.

If your friend is old enough and is the first owner of the original set then she's in for what I think is some good news. An unboxed set in excellent condition would sell for $95 to $125. There was also a double deck boxed set but a single deck would still sell in that range.

Thanks,
Elle

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