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If you have any advice I would greatly appreciate your help.
Thank You -Sincerely Wendy
Answer:Hi Wendy,
Your father has done quite well. Your list was a little on the long side and included some single thermoses as well which I will not address but most of the ones with caps (important) have good value. Others without caps have significantly less value than complete ones but they to provide some display potential.
Your condition descriptions leave something to be desired but all mention rust so I will make the evaluations based on all of them being in very good condition. Some light edge rust and small spots on inside are acceptable but weakened metal and large patches reduce condition and value.
Thanks,
Elle
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Subject: Howdy Doody Tin band toy / box Thanks a million for taking my question, I would hazard a guess that the price you paid was actually closer to the price of the box than the toy itself. I would say your describing a NM in Exc. or better box which would result in a retail value in the $1150-$1400 for NM/NM version. Finding toys like this in nice condition original boxes is getting near impossible so I would say you made a real score. Unique Arts, like Marx, was one of the premier manufacturers of tin litho toys in the 50's and 60's. Sorry to say that I can't locate my file on tin right now but suffice to say that I'm pretty sure all I would have been able to add on Unique is the town they manufactured in so sorry for the lack of history on this one but I'm sure I made up for it with the happy financial news (I hope!). The Marx version is worth slightly less but only by a couple of hundred dollars at the top condition level. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Beatles Flip your Wig game Any ideas on the current value? Thanks!, Current value of a Mint in Mint box version of the game is about $275-$300. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Cabinet stereo from the 70's Danelle The key to getting good money beside the manufacture is the styling of the piece which includes the quality of the wood and the outside appearance as a piece of furniture. 1970's consoles rarely have any pizzazz at all and the blonde wood 1950's consoles are much more viable sales though these too must have an attractive style, not just a box. German makers from the 40's and 50's, such as Grundig, are bought and collected not only for their style but also they can be collected for their superb sound quality and often times short wave channel capability. Nothing like hearing an Italian station on your Grundig console (speaking from personal experience here). I suspect that you have a fairly generic and wholly common console just like every middle class family had in the 1970's. Probably your only means of selling it is at a yard sale since few, if any, dealers would be interested. Consoles are routinely passed up at yard sales for $25 though if the right group of young roommates came along you might do a little better since it does have a working turntable. Personally I would start by asking no more than $20-40 (depending on stuff I've mentioned above) and wouldn't hesitate as time passed to give it to anyone who would take it away. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Tony the Tiger spoon premium Cherri Your Tony spoon generallys sells in the $20 range depending on condition. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Dukes of Hazzard Dixie melody alarm character watch / box The box is not quite rectangular with a front that comes down at an angle. Additionally there is a cardboard sleeve that fits over the plastic box. Both the box and sleeve picture action shots and characters from the show. I wear the watch from time to time but keep it in good shape so I would say it is at least excellent condition. The box is NM. Worth more than the $35 I paid for it about 5 years ago? Thanks, Dukes of Hazzard put out 4 different varieties of character watches with yours being the top of the line. There is a similar model but without the alarm that is almost equally cool in appearance and packaging. The other two watches are still decent watches but not metal and come either on a fully illustrated hanging card or in a long box with flip top lid. I suspect that you bought you watch right after a decent sized warehouse lot was uncovered and many were available. This is not longer the case and most of them were snatched up and the secondary wave of resale hasn't gotten into full swing yet. Your watch in excellent condition with its packaging would retail in the $65 range. As I've said, it is a good watch and should last quite a while so the price is likely to increase. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Dallas J.R. Ewing figural decanter / box Thank You, Still nothing to sneeze at as your Mint, full, example would be worth $60-65. I say "worth" since theoretically you can't sell this with the liquor in it. Some might yell at me but, personally, I would drain the Bourbon (and not into the sink I might add!) and sell the decanter Mint but empty with a value of $45-$50. You could possibly get more at a good shop or show. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Happy Face kitchen clock The clock is working, keeps great time and has only a few slight scratches on the plastic front and edges. I would call it VG or better. Thanks for the help, The 70's continue to get hotter and hotter and finding the classic pieces (e.g.. Happy Face, Peace sign) in such a decorative and useful form is getting more and more difficult. Your clock in such great working condition would sell for $85-95. Have a Happy!, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Stratego game It is in almost perfect condition. All parts, board looks like it has not even been played with. Box is in great shape,some wear on corners,but still intact. It is copyrighted 1970. It is the original release of game from "70's. Does it have any value? Before I take it out and teach my son one of the games I played as a child. Thank you, Your Stratego game is indeed the "original" release from the 70's but the first issue and true "original" was released in 1961. Only notable, but significant, difference is the box graphics between these two. The 60's version has a much campier image of a father and son playing the game. Stratego is one of those fringe games in the market that have not yet developed high values but are eagerly sought after by a decent number of collectors and probably more so by folks like yourself who simply want to play it again. Look for that trend to change and for values to rise on what I think are classic core games that I refer to as "generics". Your game sounds like it is in overall Exc. or better condition and value would be in the $20 range. Have fun!, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Vintage hat with hand beading Have a customer looking to sell this piece. I do not carry vintage but as goodwill have told her I would check into it for her. Thanks for any help, Your customers hat is certainly quality made the beading is all hand done. On the right girl this would be a knockout but this kind of styling is lagging behind the popularity and rising prices of other style Vintage hats and hats in generally are lagging behind most Vintage clothing and accessories. Of course, there are hat collectors out there so don't get me wrong it is more a question of how long your customer is willing to wait for the sale. There is an added factor, I believe, with this item and that is your customers location. Certainly at the right shop in, for example, New York this hat could easily be priced at $75+. The more metropolitan the area the easier the sale should be and the better the price. I don't know where your from so in an effort to try and meet the middle of the road and look for a reasonably timed sale, I would price the hat at $45. Keep in mind what I have mentioned and you should be able to zero in on a reasonable price. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Cereal boxes and how to store them Handling- how does one keep a cereal box in "mint condition", and what is considered "mint"? I've heard two versions: 1.) Leave the box alone! Do not open it. or, "Break the box down", meaning open from the top and bottom, and fold flat. Which, if either, is the proper way to handle these paper collectables? Storage- Is there any kind of specialty storage tools involved in the hobby, much like mylar bags and backing boards used in comic book and periodical collecting? Just curious... Keep in mind that we are talking about boxes that come with cereal in them. For those who don't know, this issue revolves around the problem of insects and damage to the cardboard and litho covering on the boxes when they get bored of the cereal or struggle to get out. The question regarding storage is answered much the same as any other paper collectible that you want to preserve, acid-free bags and/or boxes. Acid-free mylar bags are available from many collector oriented storage companies and you should find many listed in the various collector magazines. There may even be bags especially made for cereal boxes but as long as the bag is large enough to accommodate the box in whatever state you decide to store it and it can be sealed then it will suffice. If you can find it, there is (or was?) a magazine by the cereal box collecting author, Scott Bruce, called "Flake" that may come in handy. He has also written a number of books on boxes and cereal prizes that should be in any better book store. His book(s) on boxes will likely have a section on storage and handling. Ultimately the storage, care and handling of Collectibles is left very much up to the collector him/herself and opinions often differ What often separates a mint collectible from one of lesser condition is simply a matter of storage methods, etc. so your questions are certainly a good idea. As with most Collectibles, there are many collectors out there with more experience than you or I may have in that collecting area and the sharing of knowledge is what keeps this business fresh and will ultimately contribute to its longevity and endless line of new collectors. Pass the milk and hands off the prize!, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Sting and Welcome Back Kotter games You state you want details and to assume nothing, so below are detailed descriptions of the "Welcome Back Kotter" and "The Sting Game" board games. We would appreciate any help or insight you may have to offer. ;) #1: "Welcome Back Kotter, the up your nose with the rubber hose game" by Ideal. The game name runs across the top in red and yellow; the main picture is of Vinnie Barbarino (with arms spread) is in his Sweathogs jean jacket (Triumph patch on right pocket) stands next to Mr. Kotter in front of a black board. Off to the right of this main pix are pix of the four remaining Sweathogs. The board, box, game pieces (Barbarino, Horshack, Epstein, Washington, Rosy, Holly)[note: the Epstein and Washington pieces have NOT been punched out of their cardboard frames), the green "rubber hose" plastic piece, all the cards are intact and are what could be call "mint condition." #2: "The STING Game" by IDEAL. The bottom left and the IDEAL logo with ages 10 to adult for 3 or 4 players. On the bottom right, is printed in small black print: "a trademark of and licensed by Universal City Studios, Inc. 1976 Universal Pictures MFD BY IDEAL TOY CORP, HOLLIS, NY 11423." This game is in an orange and purple colored box with scenes from 1920's, Great Gatsby-like scenes: on the right half of the cover, in a circle are two gentlemen: one jacketless, wearing a tie and is wearing a derby and is lighting his thin cigar with a green bill of unknown denomination with a stack of bills coming out the top of his pants on his left hip; his buddy is wearing a brown suit, tie and a flat cap. Below them are two race horses down to their necks only; flying into the upper right is a plane with a blue fuselage and orange wings; in the bottom right are three stack of chips (green, white, red) and a small stack of 3 coins. In the middle of the scene are old fashioned wooden oil wells/towers, an old style car with a driver and bags of gold coins spilled open. Moving left is a body of water w/a boat, an open treasure chest below some palms trees coming into the cover from the extreme left. CONTENTS: Board, all play money, "Deal" cards, 16 black "license plates," two die, and four game pieces (red, blue, green, yellow). CONDITION: board, pieces, money, plates in "mint" condition. The box is torn at the left corner, and the bottom of the box is a warped (?water damage, ?storage). Again, just curious about it's value. Thank you once again!, Not sure about the box condition of the Kotter game but I will assume that it too is in matching condition and we will call the game overall NM-Mint. Nice game that has the other obvious tie-in to John Travolta fans and collectors. In such nice condition, this game sells in shops for $55. Your Sting game is harder to find but probably not as many people searching it out. The ones that do, however, want it bad and it's not always easy to find one in nice condition. Add another tie-in effect for Robert Redford and Paul Newman of course. As long as you box isn't really water damaged and no serious stains then you still have a Mint game in VG-Exc- box. This game typically sells for $45. My answer seems kind of short compared to your mammoth detailed submission but you left me little to add! Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Drunk at lamppost lamp Thanks for your help! The early versions of these lamps often times only sell in the same range as their later ceramic counterparts. This, I believe, is due mostly to the fact that these items are generally bought for display purposes and the glossy ceramics "show" better on a bar then the relatively subtle chalkware versions (though there are chalkware collectors out there too). Unfortunately, you forgot to tell me the condition of the lamp and, as always, this is critical. This is particularly true as chalkware has a normal tendency to break, chip and flake. These lamps in at least VG condition sell for $50-75. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: De Reszke cigarettes advertising ashtray Can you help me?, Your ashtray is probably from the late 20's or early 30's. I can only assume that the graphics/logo are less than spectacular since you make no particular mention of anything but the name so this would fall into the lower range of collectible advertising ashtrays. You have also not mentioned it's condition so I can only give you a range of value. In at least Excellent condition, you tray would sell from $25 to $35 in Mint condition. Adjust this value slightly if the design is particularly good, done in an Art Deco style, etc.. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Peter Max robe The robe is a Brown light cloth standard robe with a Peter Max design centered on the back. The image is smaller than I would have expected and it is quite understated compared to other Peter Max clothing I have or have seen. It has a simple matching belt. Everything is near Mint. Have you ever seen this robe before or did someone "make" it using a decal? Any idea of value? It's really cool but given the right price I would be willing to sell it to buy some more "useful" Max items. Thanks for your time, The example I saw actually was sold through Funk & Junk probably 4 years ago. I believed then that it was underpriced at $350 due to its scarcity and certainly the price would have increased along with other Max items over that last 5 years. The staff too agrees that the item was "under priced" but assures me that this was simply due to a reasonable purchase price on their part which they are in the habit of trying to pass along to their customers whenever they can. Pricing is still a little tricky since I think a fair range could be established depending on where the item is being sold. At the right, higher end, Pop culture auction is where your best results are likely to come though you do take a chance that it is not actually as hard to find as both you and I feel it is and it might not sell or sell below your expectations (and maybe even below a well established Collectibles shop!). Auctions are just that way. I would say that a fair retail price would fall somewhere near the $500-600 mark though $750 would not surprise me at all and with very little market references it makes my job extremely difficult. Don't forget, you have a fair amount of experience and market information on Peter Max yourself so don't discount that in determining what you want to get for the item. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: How to find a market for collectibles Spamender Even when a market is available for a category of collectible or antique it does not mean that this market is nationwide, or even state wide. Some markets are very specific both in terms of their location as well the range of values for the particular category. Often times the same category market can have vastly different pricing schemes than another market located, for instance, in another part of the country. Additionally, taking one "valuable" collectible from one state and driving to the neighbor state may suddenly make your collectible "worthless". These collectible trends do change however and there is a tendency for most popular categories to achieve at least some sense of value across the board. In fact, finding these sleeper markets before the shared popularity is the key to making huge profits and/or cornering the market in up and coming collectibles. The few points I've mentioned above certainly show you that find the market for your item(s) may be a little tricky and may involve a good deal of work. Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Floor lamp with Mod color shades It stands 200 cm (80" or 6'8" (I think) from round base (15" diameter) to the top of the highest lamp shade. As you can see in the picture, the wooden stand boasts two lamp heads, one set 6" higher than the other and each on a bendable metal neck. The existing (and I believe original) shades are a stiff cloth over a light (and brittle) plastic sleeve. Now, I am in Australia and the covers are a garish orange which was very popular here in shag carpets in the 1970's! and of course the power cord is Australian two-prong 240V. However, I am hoping you can help. Thanks mate It is a little hard to tell with your picture but it appears that the top and bottom edges of the lamp shades are stitched (probably with a soft plastic) which is typical for similar floor lamps with fiberglass shades made mostly in the 40/50's but also into the 60's. Fiberglass feels almost like parchment paper and is quite stiff/brittle so unless you can clearly see the 2 sleeves within each shade I would suggest that your lamp shades may be made of fiberglass. Just a point of information, it wont effect the price significantly. To me the lamp has the appearance of a 50/60's lamp but, again, the picture is not clear enough for me to nail it down. A closer inspection or a better idea of condition (particularly the shades) is necessary to narrow down the retail value but if everything is in reasonable condition you would be in the $150 neighborhood. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Shmoo pendulum wall clock The clock is in the shape of a marshmallow like person with a small round head that forms into a bulbous round body. Facial features are basic with round bracketed eyes and a mustache? It is a little more than 7 inches high. The clock is Blue and has a small metal pendulum with round end that hangs from the bottom. A key is used to wind the clock and it is working. The clock body itself is in very good condition with a few small stress lines. Finally, the back of the clock is marked Lux with other company information. Any information you can give me would be cool but just an estimate of value would be good too. Thanks, Your clock is much harder to find than the White version of the same clock. Small stress marks are quite common on these clocks and generally acceptable. Given the nice condition and working order, you clock would sell for $150-$165. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Kellogg's Snap, Crackle & Pop wooden figures Mary Frosted Mini Wheats had a box offer for a set of "Friendly Folk" figures which were put out in 1972 and included Snap, Crackle, Pop, Tony Tiger and one other cereal character which I can't recall (think he was a cave man however). As a possible explanation for Red Riding hood (though she too might have been an offer from another company or another set I'm not aware of) is that these small wood, felt and faux hair figures were very popular in the five and dime type retail market during these time. I believe the dolls are Danish by origin and there are many similar examples from the 70's in different sizes. No condition mentioned so I am yet again forced to provide only a range of value. A full set is better but at least you have the three related characters (Tony is the most valuable). Your set of three would range in value from $25 to $45 for the set. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Tom Corbett, Space Cadet, lunch box / thermos John Tom Corbett has appeared not only on the radio and on T.V. (live!) but also in comics and books (where he got his start). Space collectibles is a huge collectible category as are lunch boxes and tie-in merchandise so you really have a lot behind you in terms of a buying audience. There are actually two different versions of this box from 1952 and 1954. You mentioned that it was bought on/before 1953 so one would assume that you remember correctly and, therefore, have the 1952 version. However, you also mention graphics on all sides of the box and the 1952 version had only front and back centered decals. I would guess that you actually got the box a year later than you remember and that you have the 1954 box but just in case I'm reading things wrong I'll give information for both sets. In such nice condition and with the matching thermos a 1952 set would fall into the $275 to $300+ range. Add another $100-150 for the 1954, more graphic rich, set. Condition is critical so make sure your being honest with yourself on the evaluation. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Question:Hi Elle,
I recently purchased a Howdy Doody Band, tin toy, by Unique Arts. It has Buffalo Bob at the piano and Howdy dances next to him. Its works perfectly, box is intact, and there are only a few tiny scratches on it. I hope I didn't pay too much, so while I wince...could you give my the toy's approximate worth? Also, is there some history on this toy you might be able to share? Are the MARX versions worth less?
Bob
Answer:Hi Bob!,
Wince no longer since I have little doubt that you did not pay too much. Your version came out in 1950 and you are indeed right that Marx also produced a version of this comic beauty.
Elle
Question:I have a Beatles "Flip Your Wig" game (made by Milton Bradley) that was found in my grandmothers attic approx. 20-25 years ago. I have not been able to find info on the web. About 15 years ago I was "offered" $500.00 for it.
Rose
Answer:Hi Rose,
Sorry to say that even though you don't mention the condition of the game that you probably should have taken the $500 given that it was in the 1980's.
Elle
Question:I have a 1973 Solid State Console Stereo in great working condition with a dark cabinet ( also in excellent condition) 3 speed phono graph and radio. What should we make the asking price?
Answer:Hi Danelle!,
You don't mention the manufacture but with few exceptions (Grundig for example) prices remain low on these large stereo systems.
Elle
Question:I would like to know the value of a 1965 Kellogg's Tony the Tiger spoon?
Answer:Hi Cherri,
Short and to the point so I will do likewise.
Elle
Question:Hi Elle!,
I have a Dukes of Hazzard metal watch in its original box. It was made in 1981 and has Dukes of Hazzard car action shot along with the L.E.D. read out on the front. The band is a metal chain band. The coolest thing about the watch is that the alarm on it plays "Dixie" when it goes off.
Paul
Answer:Hi Paul,
I've not only seen your watch but sported one myself for a little while. Turns out it is a decent quality watch as well.
Elle
Question:Dear Elle,M
I have a J.R. Ewing Americana Porcelain Statue filled with bourbon by McCormick Distilling Co.. It is unopened and in the box it stands 15" tall. Does this have any worth?
Mike
Answer:Hi Mike,
Surprisingly there is little interest for Dallas items. However this is not to say that there is not a loyal following that is looking for your items. I have just found it to be one of those sleeper shows that doesn't highly appeal to even the general T.V. collector, keeping prices on the low end.
Elle
Question:Hi Elle!,
I have a great kitchen wall clock that I would appreciate a value on. The clock is round and has the classic 1970's Happy Face in Black on a Yellow background Below the smile in Black letters is written; "have a happy day".
Frank
Answer:Hi Frank!,
Your clock was made by the Lux company in the 1970's.
Elle
Question:I have a Milton Bradley "Stratego" game in original box.
Kelly J.
Answer:Hi Kelly,
Even if this game was worth a bundle I would urge you to teach you son the game. Collectibles, though they need to be handled with care, are meant to be enjoyed, handled, and yes played with.
Elle
Question:It is a hat, looks to be a mesh frame with sewn and glued sequin, bugle bead and faux pearl fabric flower and leaf appliques. The circumference is approx. 23 3/4" round, 7 1/2" from front to back, and 5 1/4" from side to side. It looks to be in good condition although not perfect. The coloring on the bugle bead is a silver tone and the sequin is a clear pearlized, white pearl.![[vintage beaded hat]](../ellespage/ellepicts/hatbuglebead.jpg)
Click for larger picture
Judieth Priore
Answer:Hi Judieth,
Vintage is HOT! Of course the key to selling a Vintage hats is finding someone who can pull off the look. Hats can either be the easiest things to sell or the hardest depending on the era and style.
Elle
Question:Just a question about the proper storage and handling of cereal boxes.
Hong Kong Cavalier
Answer:Hi HKC!,
Your question is a fair one and you actually answer much of it yourself. By that I mean that there are still two schools of thought regarding the "handling" of cereal boxes and you have mentioned them both. However, I have found that within the hard-core trade of boxes that most collectors tend to remove cereal from the boxes and the vast majority of boxes are stored flat.
If you have boxes that are empty and open at the top, for example, I would certainly try and maintain the shape if it were me and I had a nice display area (which I don't!!!) but you do take some risk that something may happen (a fall of all you collectibles from the shelf for example) and the box may become crushed and irreversibly damaged.
Elle
Question:Hi.
My mother refuses to throw anything away b/c of not only sentimental reasons, but also collectability. I'm writing to see if you can help with the value of two board games.
Thank you!
According to the box, the lower right corner states Article and package 1976, Ideal Toy Corp., Hollis, NY 11423; in the lower left corner of the box is printed 1976 The Wolper Organization, Inc. & Komack Company, Inc.
Pshquitz
Answer:Wow! You blew me away with your detailed description, I wish more people not only read the details of my feature but also helped me out with so much information to work with.
Elle
Question:Hello,
I came into possession of my grandfather's lamp, my mother told me she remembers having it when she was just a kid and she is about to turn 51 soon. This lamp basically made to look like a streetlight, and it has a drunk guy hanging on to it. It appears to be a chalk lamp and is about 18" high. The man is about 6" tall and has red cheeks with a top hat, a bowed out leg and the base of it is brushed in gold. There is a globe light at the top with the word "BAR" on it. The only marking I could find is the number 200 etched in the base under the paint of course. I am not only curious about the price but the history of it as well.
Lesley
Answer:Hi Lesley,
You have the original version of this copied and recopied bar lamp. The lamp is from the late 40's / early 50's and copies were made into the early 70's though the materials used changed to ceramic in the 60's. Sometimes the depiction is simply the 6" ceramic drunk at post with nose light while other versions have the same figure with the additions of the larger globe "BAR" light. In terms of history I don't have much to contribute and the whimsical design is more a function of a pure kitsch depiction of a stereotypical drunk at a time when people placed no stigma on drinking. This design was also used to produce metal ashtrays and bottle openers.
Elle
Question:I have a Royal Doulton advertising ashtray for "De Reszke" cigarettes. It is an oval shape with a match box holder/opener standing at the head. I got it when my great auntie passed away(it was being thrown out!) It is in excellent unused(no discernible scratching/marking)condition. I am at a loss to find out any background or value on it.
Grant
Answer:Hi Grant,
De Reszke cigarettes were supposedly named for the world famous tenor opera singer (and avid smoker!), Jean De Reszke and manufactured by J. Millhoff & Co. in England. De Reszke is most known among collectors for their cigarette card series of the 30's which included boxers, "What the Stars say" (zodiac related), golfers, dogs and others.
Elle
Question:Hi Elle,
I collect mostly 70's items and, specifically, Peter Max. I just bought and item that even I have never seen or heard mention of and I've been collecting Max for quite some time.
MaxMan
Answer:Hi MaxMan!,
I hope you will be happy to hear that I have indeed seen your robe and it sounds like the one I have seen is identical to yours so I believe we can rule out someone making it with a standard robe and decal. I should mention, however, that despite my considerable time buying and selling Max items I too have only had/seen one of these so calling it scarce is probably appropriate (if not rare).
Elle
Question:If a person has an item that is considered "valuable" or collectible, how does one find a market for it, other than online auctions?
Answer:Hi Spamender,
This could easily be a very involved question but your having said that the item is already considered valuable or collectible leads to the assumption that a market already exists somewhere for this concensus of value to be had. As an aside, markets can, and have, indeed been created where this consensus of value or collectiblity is not present but that's another, more involved, story.
Question:G'day there Elle,
I found this marvelous lamp at a sale and believe it to be 70's or maybe even late 60's era.![[mod floor lamp]](../ellespage/ellepicts/floorlampaus.jpg)
Click for larger picture
Leigh
Answer:Wuz up Leigh!,
Only problem with your question is that I have no significant experience with the Australian market for most items so I will evaluate based on the American market. The American market for 60/70's items, particularly useful household furniture items such as this, is hot so you will have to evaluate how the Australian market compares and adjust the price you could get there accordingly.
Elle
Question:Hi Elle!,
My Aunt recently gave me a wacky clock for my collection of same. She mentioned that she has a vague recollection of the character? represented as being from Little Abner comics.
Tanya
Answer:Hi Tanya!,
As I started reading your email I was pretty sure and your mentioning the manufacturer, Lux, nailed it down for me. Your Aunt was on the right track though the strip is written "Li'l Abner". The character was the then widely popular "Shmoo" created by Al Capp which first appeared in 1948 (later revived by Hanna Barbera in the "New Shmoo" cartoon). Among other things, Shmoos could produce an endless supply of food and would die of ecstasy if a human even looked at it with hunger on his/her mind. They existed solely to serve mankind. There was a good deal of marketing in the 40/50's of Shmoo items including figures, pins, clocks, clothing, banks, etc.. It was a highly successful marketing campaign, especially for its time.
Elle
Question:I have three Kellogg's painted wooden and fabric figures, Snap, Crackle, and Little Red Riding Hood. Snap and Crackle have a label on their bottom indicating they are copyrighted 1972 by Kellogg's. Little Red Riding Hood has no date label, but I know that she was from the same time frame and that she also came from Kellogg's. The figures are approximately 3 inches high. I had these as a small child and they either came in the cereal box or they were obtained through a mail-in offer (I believe the latter). I can't find any information on them anywhere. All three are in very good condition. Can you tell me more about them, especially what they might be worth?
Answer:Hi Mary,
You threw me a little with the Little Red Riding hood figure and not mentioning the names of Snap, Crackle & Pop on their hats but I'll forge ahead and give you my thoughts. Everything else is just too similar so hopefully were talking about the same figures.
Elle
Question:I have a Tom Corbett, Space Cadet lunch box that I have had since my parents bought it for me when I started elementary school in 1953. It has full graphics -- front, back, and sides -- with what I would consider normal edge wear. I also have the original thermos, whose graphics are in better condition than those on the box. (For some reason I can't now recall, I at some point wrapped the bottle in tape, which did an excellent job of preserving the graphics.) The bottle has the original lid/cup, rubber stopper, and glass liner.
Answer:Hi John!,
A nice box indeed and certainly sounds like a VG-Exc. example.
Elle
"FUNK & JUNK" IS A REGISTERED SERVICE MARK.
"FUNKY J. MONKY" AND
IT'S CORRESPONDING MONKEY IMAGES, "FUNK YOU" AND "COOL STUFF FOR COOL
PEOPLE AT COOL PRICES" ARE SERVICEMARK PROTECTED ITEMS.