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I'm not aware of any current, or recent, licensed Marionettes of Howdy. I checked the recent FAO Schwartz catalogs and you might still want to give them a call for past offerings. However, I did run across a puppeteer who made what looks like a fantastic facsimile of the original (T.V.) Howdy and he does sell his wares on-line. I did not see Howdy specifically called out but he is open to discussion / custom orders and you might want to stop by his page at: http://www.mindspring.com/~gkoepke/hartz.htm or Email him at hartz@islc.net (please tell him Elle from Funk & Junk® sent you). [UPDATE - I spoke with Conrad at Hartz Hand carved Puppets, mentioned above, and he states that he once operated a Howdy for Bob Smith! Sounds like making a Marionette is no problem. Keep in mind that quality work like this is not cheap though Conrad ensures me it's not outrageous either]
Even loose, the Peter Puppets version sells for hundreds of dollars and you need a small loan to by the boxed versions. Finding one is usually simply a matter of perseverance as they show up quite often at Shows and better shops.
By the way, Leland's auction house recently sold one of the three T.V. used Howdy Doodys for a whopping $113,431. This from a minimum opening bid of only $5,000!
Thanks
Elle
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Subject: Michael Jackson wax pack (trading cards) Your cards were put out in 1984 (1st and 2nd Series) and by the Topps company. Each pack included 3 stickers and 3 photo cards along with a stick of gum. Currently the packs aren't worth that much and generally sell for around $2 a pack. The exception would be if your pack has Michael with red lips, this packaging (along with some minor text fixes on some cards) was recalled. Still only a dollar or so more but it is the harder to find pack. Each set came with 33 each of the cards and stickers (2nd set starts numbering at 34). The stickers had backs that made up two different, 15 piece, puzzles. On my usual side note - the coolest thing, I think, about these packs is that they come with "Michael" bubble gum. They're single sticks in their own wrapper featuring a picture of Michael with the red glove days black sunglasses on one side and without any glasses (or scarves, or bandages, etc.) on the other. Thanks for your off beat question, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Michael Jackson 45 rpm record set Detailed information : John Wickre You don't mention is so I'm assuming these are not individual picture sleeve singles which would increase the value significantly. Singles such as this are not highly sought after and only have a value of one or two dollars a piece on average. You do have a packaged set in colored vinyl which would add some value and I'm assuming it has a cover shot so I would say your Mint set would sell for around $25+. Nice to see collecting interest running in a family, everyone should pass on the collecting bug to their children. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Soakies, what are they? Thanks, "Soaky" is actually a brand name (Colgate-Palmolive) that has been used freely as a general term for any figural (usually cartoon) bubble bath/soap container. These containers had their heyday in the 60's though there are examples from the 50's as well. Within the last 5-7 years, manufactures have started making figural containers again but, unfortunately, they pale in comparison to the originals. I do, however, like a few of them, specifically the animated Batman and Superman versions and the 90's Simpsons bottles with rubber heads (just bottles with body labels but the head details are great!). The containers are figural and usually made of plastic with the head of the cartoon character hiding the screw cap. Exceptions to this design include those with just a screw cap at the top of the container above the full body and those with figural rubber sleeves in the shape of the body that simply slipped over the generic bottle. These are indeed a collectible in their own right but also cross over in many areas due to the massive amounts of characters represented. Generally, these bottles sell from $15 - $125 for the harder to find bottles (e.g. Universal monsters). As with every collectible, condition place a role as does original packaging and, to a lesser extent, soap contents in tact. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: T.V. lamps, specifically a Black Panther I've submitted some other questions in the past and I'm hoping I hit with this one. I certainly understand your not posting others in the past and this one if it doesn't pass the test, either way I'm coming back! I found a really great lamp made out of ceramic. It's quite large and it's in the form of a Black Panther skulking up a hill. I'm puzzled though as the light is sort of set at the back and partially covered by the lamp itself. It lights but the light produced is very dim. Is this a night light? Seems like it would scare the hell out of you as you make your way to the bathroom or child's bedroom! If you get a chance to let me know the value too, I would appreciate it. Again, thanks for your great feature and take care, Though you seem to understand, I am going to take a minute to briefly explain the question process and why some questions have not been answered (and I could add YET to some of them). If you have submitted a question that has not been answered there are at least seven possibilities as to why it hasn't been addressed (additionally, items highlighted in BOLD are reasons I may actually toss your request as soon as I get it!). The next two possibilities have some overlap in rationale. I try to select questions and articles that I feel will have a general, or at least significant, appeal. Keep in mind that my column is read by lots of collectors with different backgrounds and interests as well as novices to collectibles looking for a niche to collect. I still believe that my response rate is better than most such articles that are printed in the Antique/Collectibles trade papers and magazines. Phew!, now on to your question and thanks for letting me slip this into your response. Your kind of close with your guess of a night light. This is actually what they call a T.V. lamp. T.V. lamps came into existence more out of concern for the general publics health rather than the light that they would produce. Apparently watching T.V. was another thing that those in the early 50's thought would produce blindness if you did it in the dark (if you have to ask what the other thing is, I'm certainly not answering you!). T.V. lamps were thought to not only produce enough light to protect your eyes but further served as a minor distraction to draw your eye away from time to time, thus saving your eyes! Your lamp is one of a variety of Black Panthers Generally Panthers are full body in motion but I don't see yours very often and I think the "scenery" adds some appeal. I think you would find a lot of takers for your lamp at $80-$100. I think relative to other vintage (as well as new) lamps there is still some room for a slightly higher value but the $100 mark is rarely broken on T.V. lamps. If your looking to sell it, I would advice that you hold onto it as this market has been heating up again and I think the threshold will be broken for the more appealing and rarer varieties. Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Michael Jordan, is he going to make me rich? I have a small collection of Michael Jordan memorabilia. With his recent retirement should I buy everything and anything I can get my hands on? Any suggestions for particular items to buy? In other words can I make a mint on this stuff? Your faithful reader (and Funk & Junk® enthusiast!), Having said that, Michael Jordan has always been well collected for his obvious popularity and contribution to the sports world. This recent announcement has had the normal effect that an announcement such as this or a death of a star has - increased press and hype. I have already seen 3 different price guides available in the last few weeks. Lots of people are going to be buying into the Jordan market in anticipation of reaping rewards in the future. Will these people make a lot of cash in the near future with their investments? I think it's certainly possible but it was also very possible prior to his announcement. The same rules apply to buying Jordan Collectibles for future profit as with any other collectible. The new wave of "limited edition" collectibles, trading cards and the like are not likely to increase significantly in value and are in the market mostly due to the increased demand from new collectors. These new collectors will very likely open themselves up for disappointment if they are buying these new mass produced items strictly for profit. It's a hard lesson to learn but many new collectors learn it somewhere along the line and we can only hope that it occurs on a small financial scale. What should you buy? Wow!, there is a lot of Jordan merchandise out there and to focus in on the particular big money makers is really tough. I would certainly recommend buying the older items before you buy the newer items released mostly due to the announcement of his retirement. Be careful not to pay significantly, and recently, inflated prices on these older items or you will likely see a large portion of your future profits eaten up before their time. Have prices increased on these older items because of Jordan's announcement? Probably but it's very speculative right now and any price changes in the market right now should be minimal if at all. As a seller, I would reap my benefit from the increased market rather than individual increases in "value". It has been my long held belief that collectibles do not significantly fluctuate in short periods of time. The existence of many subscription price guides with updated monthly prices have created the belief among neophyte collectors that prices can and do change dramatically from the 4th week of one month to the 1st week of the next month. Common sense should win out here. One area that I think has some real potential is Jordan clothing items such as shoes, shirts, running suits, jackets, etc.. These items have already shown a significant following and prices can be huge for some of the early pieces. The market is strongest in Japan and Europe but it has been quickly heating up in the last few years here in the States. Some early pairs of Air Jordans by Nike can go for hundreds of dollars consistently. In fact, though I don't have all the details at my fingertips, I understand that the last series of Air Jordans sold out in no time shortly after the announcement and that back orders abound. Items that were sold to be used then discarded (clothing, cereal boxes, etc.) are usually good candidates for future values. It remains to be seen whether this principal will bear out on items of recent years put out in an environment with an increased collectibility aware population but it is valid most older items. It's always a risky game buying Collectibles strictly for profit but it sounds like you already were a fan so if you buy carefully you shouldn't be to unhappy regardless of the profits realized when your ready to part with your collection. I have always advised people to buy what they like and what appeals to them. Inevitably there are many others who will share your view of these items now and in the future. Give it a shot Joel, you may take it to the hoop! Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: What should I collect now for profit later? My primary reason for collecting is as an investment for the future (though I certainly don't want anything that is hideous to look at!). Can you give any clues as to what I should collect? I'm not rich so it would also be great to find something affordable. Hope you can help but thanks for your column regardless, This is another one of those loaded gun type questions. It seems obvious but I think it deserves saying that answering such questions is merely my speculation. It's not unlike asking your Broker to recommend stocks for investment. Having said that , I'll just jump right in. There are many categories and items that I could recommend but I've chosen to hit one that I think fits the two most mentioned criteria; that the items be both very affordable as well as potential money makers. Again, since all of you had some serious capital reservations I'm going to recommend what I think is a up and coming category that still has a lot of items that are bargain priced - 80's toys , games and tie-in items. To you hard core collectors out there this will come as no surprise and I personally have been scooping up the better of these toys, games and collectibles for a number of years. To the newer collectors, however, recognizing the last decade as a future value collecting period is not so obvious. Simply put, as we get further and further away from any particular decade, the collectibles from that time are likely to increase in value. By using some foresight (as well as most of your spare storage and/or living space!) you can beat or at least get a good foothold on the next wave of Collectibles. The previous decade is always a little bit easier than trying to buy in the current time period simply because certain trends can already be recognized and the popularity of particular items, too, is usually known. The difficulty of buying for investment in the current time has never been so true as it is now with a market full of limited editions, hot and/or trendy collectibles, and the like. Making wise future investments on current items is tricky at best. You will likely find that the amount you spend on, in this case, 80's items is significantly less than buying current items. Examples of 80's items you might want to look into include; Another strategy that is often overlooked is to buy items that might not seem so obvious. Unlike games, lunch boxes, character watches, action figures, etc. there are categories that, because of their intended use and/or initial demand, lend themselves to become future scarce or rare items needed for the ultimate collection. With the exception of some items from the 50's and 60's there are still a few subcategories that I believe are seriously devalued in a lot of markets and bargains can be had. Examples of these items include sheet sets, blankets and bed covers, sleeping bags, and clothing items. There are other items but these are the ones that really jump out. Some of these items feature fantastic graphics and can not only be displayed as a backdrop for a collection but can be put into use in the collector's home. Again, most of these items were made to be used and were often thrown out once the children outgrew them. You had better hurry with these types of collectibles as I've seen a real growth in the market in the last two years and it's becoming part of many collectors want list items. Further proof can be seen in the aforementioned 50/60's items that already command some serious prices (e.g. Hopalong Cassidy bed spreads, Underdog and Bullwinkle sheets, blankets, etc.). Becoming successful at buying for profit doesn't happen overnight for most people. However, it does tend to become much easier and you will begin to develop a certain sixth sense as the years go by. It's likely that you'll look back and laugh at what will then seem to be an obvious question to you. Don't hesitate to go for a few speculative items from current times as well as much older items if your gut tells you to. Making money on collectibles is very much a trial and error procedure before you can hit the majority of the times. Thanks for all of your questions and to Barbara for being the straw that broke this question camels back and forced an answer! Loyally, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Transforming robot pen It is not a licensed item in the Transformers toy line but simply a gimmick item to cash in on the wave. It was probably sold in dollar type stores or by street vendors. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Star Wars figures and vehicles Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Grateful Dead Fillmore poster I will pass along some general guidelines but you should do some more research. All of the information I am providing relates to posters in Excellent to near mint condition. Fillmore posters are highly collectible but there are still a decent amount of them in the marketplace. Your poster has good crossover collectible potential as older Grateful Dead items, too, have a decent collecting following (though I think it will increase as time passes). This is particularly true after the recent death of Jerry Garcia and I think these older items will continue to increase in value as the Dead collecting population grows. Dead Posters are available from the 60's, 70's and 80's and the value comes down not only to age but, more importantly, the artist and the image appeal of the design. Most good images from the 60's and 70's sell for around $75-$100 with more sticking images selling for more. Some common posters can still be had for around $50 but it's getting to be more and more of a rare occurrence. Even some of the 80's images can be valuable. Most notably is the 1988 poster for Radio City done by the well know artist, Peter Max. The image on this poster is very striking and features the large, trademark, Dead skeletons. Hopefully this will be enough to give you some loose guidelines to properly evaluate your poster. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Mickey Mouse "The Mail Pilot" Big Little Book Big Little books as such got their start in the early 30's. Whitman did release similar books in the 20's but the name "Big Little Book" didn't start until later. "Big Little Book" is also a term used loosely these days to speak of similar size (roughly 4 1/2 - 5" tall) and content books with "Better Little Books" being the other most frequently seen types (though many exist). The value of these books depends mostly on the character/theme of the book with Cartoon, T.V. and Movie themes generally being the most popular. Of course condition is as critical as with any other paper/book item. This is actually one of the first true Big Little Books released by Whitman. Appeal for this book in good condition extends to both Disney and Big Little Book collectors. A copy in VG or above condition can start at $60 to as much as $75 for an Exc/NM copy. Follow up 3/13/99: Sorry Marilyn, I forgot to mention there is also a much harder to find large softcover Big Little Book version that ranges from $85 for a copy in very good shape to as much as $175 for a Mint copy. Thanks for the question! Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Kennedy assassination headline newspaper The real problem is that EVERYONE kept copies of these newspapers. His assassination was such a devastating event in everyone's life at the time that most people kept newspapers and magazines as a remembrance for themselves and their children. Also for this reason they tend to be hard sells. The copies from Dallas generally command the greater of the price range of from $10 to $30 depending on condition, which is critical. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963 and I should add that the values above relate to this date and, in some cases, the November 23rd issues only. Many other discussions followed both in newspapers and magazines but their values are significantly less with most newspapers selling for $5 when a buyer can be found. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Quisp and Quake premium rings Kind of curious about the two cereal box rings that my Dad gave me and also if their worth anything. The rings are very similar and are made of Blue plastic. They are about 1 3/4" tall and each one has a raised figure of the mascots from the cereal brands. One character is a sort of space man character and the other is a hard hat wearing muscle bound cutie. Both are cartoonish and have their hands extended. They are both in mint shape. Would anyone be interested in buying these rings? I'm really not planning on selling them but I am certainly curious as to whether anyone collects this sort of item. Also, do these characters have names? Thanks for all the good times, Your character names popped right out from the page at me. They were from some delicious, and sugar filled, cereals called Quisp and Quake. Do people collect this kind of stuff? You bet!, and with a vengeance. Cereal Collectibles and Premium rings are both very hot right now. Cereal memorabilia people collect everything from your premium rings to advertising figures, actual advertising materials and empty/full cereal boxes. Characters from both the cereal brands and other cartoons that did promotions are the hottest of these collectibles. Now it's time for you to sit down. Not only do people collect these types of items but your characters are two of the hottest 60's cereal characters out there. Your rings were produced in 1966 by the Quaker Oats Co. and are sometimes referred to as "friendship rings" (hands extended to shake hands I guess). (here is comes!). Your Quake ring in Mint condition is worth something in the neighborhood of $400-500! (if you've come to, you had better sit down again!) Your Quisp ring is worth a whopping $800-$1000+!! Even rough examples of these rings can bring many hundreds. Kind of tough to separate the emotional from the financial when it gets to this level isn't it? If you plan on selling them you will need to try and locate some serious collectors. I do not have any recent sales information but premium rings are hot and I've seen numbers even higher for the Quisp ring than I've noted tossed around but was unable to find any recent sales references to confirm these values. Thanks for the praise and your question (I'm envious), Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Keebler tree cookie jar Thanks,Denise There are actual two versions of the Keebler Tree cookie house with Ernie in the door. The version you have will determine just how good a deal your got. One jar was made by Haeger and the other by McCoy. The identifying difference between the two rests in the Ernie elf figure who is peeking out the door in the base of the tree. The Haeger version has Ernie as an actual embossed part of the jar and the McCoy version is a decal. Another less noticeable difference is that the colors tend to be darker on the McCoy jar. This difference, however is only obvious when the jars are viewed together. The Haeger jar would run in the $100-$115 range and the McCoy, though it surprises most people that such a well known company is less, would be in the $85-$90 range. Keep in mind that newer low level jars usually start at $30-$40 and new limited edition jars of good quality start well over $100 and it's not unheard of for their cost to be well past $200. So when you think it through, and given all this information, I think an old appealing jar at this price should be snapped up. it's tough to go wrong with a good looking old jar. I believe that regardless of the version you possess there is also room for improvement with the increased popularity as of late in both cookie jars and displayable advertising items. I've had both versions pass through my hands and it is one of my favorite advertising cookie jars (Tony the Tiger and the Ken' L Ration dog, both of which are plastic, are my two top favorites). Break out the milk and enjoy! Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Kung Fu lunch box Can you tell me how much my Kung Fu T.V. show lunch box is worth? I no longer have the thermos but the box is made of metal and I would say it's in very good or better condition with just some normal edge wearing from use and a few miscellaneous scratches on the front and back. My name is also still on it in ink but that's on the inside section. I read everyone of your articles and I love them all. The price is right too!!! Thanks, Your lunch box was manufactured in 1974 by King Seeley and had a matching, plastic, thermos. The box in the condition you described would likely sell for $80-$90. The thermos in equal condition would have brought an additional $25. The good T.V. show related boxes are getting tougher and tougher to nab and prices have changed dramatically in the last year. With a couple of competitive buyers you should be able to realize the upper end of the value scale. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: White House cookbook I have several items that I came across at a mini storage auction several years ago. The second item [submitted list was edited-see response] is the White House Cook Book dated 1906. Can you help me with these things....you seem to have a lot of knowledge as I am dumb on this. Anything you can help with will get me headed in the right direction. Thanks, There are actually a number of different issues of the White House cookbook. I have personally had the 1887, 1900, 1904, 1913 and 1917 editions. You failed to mention condition and it is more critical than usual where books and paper items are concerned. Some lead way on normal grading can be given since these items were normally used in the kitchen and usually not particularly protected. Your book in very good condition (e.g. no serious tears, binding problems, cover damage, etc..) would sell for $55-$65. Thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Games (various) By the way, I'm a loyal reader and I really appreciate your efforts. Thanks You have a couple of choice 60's games here and the values may surprise you (casual readers should note that a few of these games were re-released and values for other versions are less); If you go to sell them, just remember that the prices I've quoted are retail prices. Thanks for the pat on the back and the question, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Subject: Bubble lamp by George Nelson for Howard Miller I have a white lamp that almost looks like it's made of White cotton candy. It's a fairly thick, though somewhat fragile, material that covers a metal frame made up mostly of thick metal dowels. I think the white stuff was blown on as the surface is irregular with some raised bumps making dipping unlikely. There is no material on the back (inside) of the metal framework making a spray technique all the more likely in my mind. The lamp is a large ball shape and has a long cord and I would guess that it hangs from the ceiling. There is a paper label that says "Howard Miller Clock Co." (yes Clock co.!) Good luck on this one! Thanks, P.S. Sorry for the bad picture but the lamp is all White and I'm not that great a photographer. You have hanging lamp by a very famous designer - George Nelson. These lamps are called "Bubble Lamps" and were produced for the equally famous Miller company who, most notably, produced some fantastic, and expensive!, clocks. The surface is a sprayed fiberglass material so you were right on with that one. The lamps came in a number of different sizes such as one shaped somewhat like and hourglass, one shaped like a blimp, the standard ball shape, etc.. He also designed some lamps with a wall mount. They are indeed fragile and try to either keep it hanging or well padded and/or with no significant pressure on any point of the surface. Your shape is not particularly rare but ones in good condition are always in demand. Some designs do command a premium so a little more research is advised if you have any of the other shapes. Generally speaking, these lamps sell in the $225-$350 range with yours being near the lower end. You should have no problem at all selling it as they are a design that is very popular. Touche' Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted
Question:I have unopened packs of Michael Jackson cards are they worth anything?
Answer:Hey Pat!,
What you have is usually referred to as a wax pack.
Elle
Question:My daughter asked me to find a price for Michael Jackson 9 singles pack (mint; 9 red vinyl 45 rpm 7" disks). It is opened but unused.
CBS Epic CB-111 / Quincy Jones
numbers from MJ1-1 (Don't Stop...) to MJ1-9 (Thriller)
Copyright dates 1982-1983
Answer:Hey John!,
Oops, looks like I'm on a M. Jackson jag from the last message!
Elle
Question:What the H**L are Soakies? I've never come across this category.
Mark
Answer:Hi Mark!,
Definitely the strongest opening I've received!
Elle
Question:Hi Elle!!,
I love your feature and I've read everything you've written! I think you write with a great flair and your not nearly as uptight as some other columns I've read in print
David
Answer:Hey David!,
WOW!, thanks so much for the very kind comments. It's nice to get warm body comments from time to time to keep me going.
The biggest problem is not the initial Email back requesting more information but that this often results in a number of Emails wanting guidance and clarification. I have tried this in the past and each recontact averaged at least 3 additional Emails. This really begins to add up and I quickly run out of time to do both my column and my other duties at Funk & Junk® (yes, I work for a living!). Please keep in mind that all I have is your description to work with so ask yourself if you could answer the question with the information you've provided. A picture always helps too.
I have many interesting inquiries that fall into this category and I hack away at them whenever I get a chance to find untapped resources. These questions haven't been rejected as they have in the example above but they are, instead, maintained in one of my folders for possible posting at a future date once the proper information is put together.
As this is not my only responsibility I will often times write a few answers at a time to give myself a little head start. It's not a strict order and sometimes incoming questions take precedence.
This is not done arbitrarily and it is usually because I feel that the content does not relate to the Collectibles field. Though I do, from time to time, answer questions about true Antiques, my responsibility is to Funk & Junk®, which is in the Collectibles and Vintage Clothing business.
These questions have not been rejected with their initial reading but I'm still up in the air about them whether it is due to the content, possibility of research, etc..
Question:Hi Elle!,
Love your feature!
Joel
Answer:Hi Joel!,
First, I think that Michael Jordan's retirement is one of those things that you need to watch carefully. It's been know to happen that someone retires or leaves their business only to resurface sometime later. Anyone remember the Rolling Stones 1st LAST tour? I do.
Elle
Question:Hi Elle,
I'm really just starting to collect things so I'm a babe in the woods regarding the various types of collectibles that are out there.
Barbara
Answer:Hi Barbara!
Your question is very similar to many that I already have received so this response will be going out to a number of readers.
Elle
Question:What is this transforming robot pen? It is part of a toy line? A promotional item? The only writing on it reads, "Made in Taiwan R.O.C."
Zobovor![[robot pen]](ellepicts/robotpen.jpg)
Click for larger picture
Answer:Hi Zobovor!,
Your pen was put out during the huge popularity of Transformers and other similar knock-off toys in the early 80's.
Elle
Question:I have 10 action figures and 2 toys from the original Star Wars;
Jeff
Answer:Hi Jeff!,
Provided your toys are all in Excellent or better condition, here are the values
Elle
Question:I have a Grateful Dead poster. It is the door poster for the Fillmore auditorium 1969. Purple face with orange and yellow writing.
Joe
Answer:Hi Joe,
Not nearly enough information for me to answer your question as I would need more information on the image, the artist name and condition at least.
Elle
Question:What is the value of a 1933, Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse - The Mail Pilot book?
Marilyn
Answer:Hi Marilyn!,
From the date, and my copy, I can only assume your referring to the Big Little Book by Whitman publishing, though I believe there was also a large, hardcover version released around this time period.
Elle
Question:I have two newspapers intact from Pendleton Oregon Nov. 23 1963 & Nov. 25 1963 on JFK assassination are they of any value ?
Don
Answer:Hi Don!,
Your newspapers don't hold a really significant value and to even have any value at all they must be in excellent to near mint condition.
Elle
Question:Hi Elle,
Great column! I love the nice mix that gets posted and my bookmark gets used a lot.
Daphne
Answer:Hi Daphne,
Always love to get a pat on the back and it's the stuff that keeps me going!
Elle
Question:Elle,
I recently bought the Keebler Elf tree cookie jar at a flea market for $45. Did I get a good deal?
Answer:Hi Denise,
The short answer is I think you did very well.
Elle
Question:Hey Elle!
I bow to your tower of knowledge!
Josh
Answer:Wow Josh!, Maybe I should start a cult!
You have a great box and it's highly desirable.
Elle
Question:Hi Elle,
Nice website, I was glad to find it.
Pattycakes
Answer:Hey Pattycakes,
Sorry that I have to limit my answers to one item per request to be fair to everyone. Feel free to submit the other items on separate forms (don't forget, I can't guarantee answers to any submissions!).
Elle
Question:Hi Elle!!,
I have the following games in complete and pretty much in excellent condition or better with an occasional split at the corner of a box top, can you tell me how much any or all of them (if you have the time) are worth?
Joanne
Answer:Hello Joanne,
Your list is not too lengthy and all under the same category so I'll do them all. Also, surprisingly this is the first game value question I've received so it will help to fill the gaps.
Elle
Question:Hi De Ho Elle!,
I have one I think I'll stump you with.
Roy
Answer:Hey Roy!
Always up for a challenge but you'll have to do better than that! I was pretty sure after the first sentence but the manufacturer made it a give away. Though the picture didn't come out well enough to publish, it did serve to confirm my suspicions and even bad pictures are always helpful (hint! hint!).
Elle
![[max pillow 1]](ellepicts/maxpill1.jpg) | ![[max pillow 2]](ellepicts/maxpill2.jpg) | ![[max pillow 3]](ellepicts/maxpill3.jpg) | ![[max pillow 4]](ellepicts/maxpill4.jpg) | ![[max pillow 5]](ellepicts/maxpill5.jpg) | ![[max pillow 6]](ellepicts/maxpill6.jpg) | ![[max pillow 7]](ellepicts/maxpill7.jpg) |
Answer:Hey Charl!,
Thanks for the photo of the "Smile" Peter Max pillow. I've taken the liberty of adding my photos to all but complete the set (I believe there were 8 different images produced). All the pillows have a clear border which I have edited out to make photo production a little easier (and smaller!).
There was a small warehouse find of these pillows within the last few years but they were quickly snapped up and had little effect on the value of these pillows. Depending on the condition and design they usually sell for $50-$60 each. Look for the prices to rise in the next couple of years with the growing popularity of both Max and 70's Collectibles (not to mention inflatable furniture of that era which is HOT!).
Thanks again for the question and photo!
Elle
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Subject: Beatles "Yesterday and Today" Butcher cover record album Xavier Your record is called "Yesterday and Today" and with this cover it is usually referred to as the paste over "Butcher cover". The cover shot shows the boys with bloody cut up dolls strewn about and raised quite a bit of controversy when it was released. So much controversy, in fact, that the record company created the paste over cover to block the objectionable picture. The albums are on the market both in their pasted over and peeled off conditions. As the original issue is worth many thousands, many attempt to sell the later peeled issues as original "first state" albums which often makes deals with anyone else but experts on both sides fall apart. A number of factors effect the potential value of your album: First, of course, is basic condition that applies to all albums and this will include any scratching or marring of the record surface and any wear to the cover. Secondly , and this too applies to all albums, is whether it is the Monaural or Stereo issue. Values can be vastly different for the different issues and it's not always cut and dry (i.e. "mono" more valuable than stereo). More specifically regarding your record is a third factor that often results in a difference of opinion among collectors and dealers and that is whether to peel the cover or not and the method and expertise used to remove it. Once the decision to peel is reached it is obvious that simply pulling back may result in damage to the cover art below and this would effect the value regardless of the opinion held about peeling. Because of all of the details I'm lacking I can only give you a vast range for albums (both Mono and Stereo included here) in excellent to near mint overall condition. Where your album falls in this range can only be determined with a detailed evaluation and inclusion of the factors mentioned above. Paste over Butcher covers in excellent to near mint condition range in value from $250 - $700. Hope this helps and thanks, Choose another question by subject Choose another question by Date Posted Shop at Funk & Junk Collectibles and Vintage Clothing
Question:My wife has a Beatles record that has all the cut up dolls and the cover was banned and a different cover put over it. Do you know which one I am talking about? I would like to know what it is worth. The cover was peeled back to reveal if it was one of the ones that was covered up and it is.
Answer:Hi Xavier,
First, a public service message - it's really important when requesting record values that you supply the record title, label (manufacture such as capital, WB, etc.) and catalog numbers (usually both letters and numbers) all of which is generally on both the record and cover along with the condition of the vinyl itself as this is critical with regards to value. As you will clearly see, details are extremely important when doing value evaluations and I'm still getting many requests that are rejected simply because of this reason. I really hate to simply delete such requests but it's often difficult to even give a partial answer.
Elle
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