Q.Enclosed is a photo of a doll that my daughter had in the late 1950s. I am wondering if it has any value other than sentimental. She has her original dress and shoes. I think she was called Patty Playmate, but I am not certain.
A. Hard vinyl Patti, part of the Ideal Playpal (alternatively spelled Patty Play Pal) doll family, first appeared in 1959. I believe she was the tallest girl at about 35 inches, though her brother “Peter” was slightly taller. Not to be confused with the 1980s reissue or the later Ashton Drake dolls, your Patti is a much more valuable toy at nearly $500.
Q. What is the value of this hanging plate that has been in the family for about 100 years?
A.I was unable to find similar examples of your circa 1900 porcelain piece, upon which a comparative value would be placed. I can tell you that it came from Porzellanfabrik Langewiesen Oscar Schlegelmilch, a manufacturer of decorative wares located in Thuringia, Germany.
Q.I have a Kodak Cine-Reliant camera. Can you tell me its age and value?
A. Initial selling price on your 8 mm motion picture camera in 1949 was $79. When introduced, it was one of the most compact and handy spring-wound cameras around. Today, its value is considerably less; probably under $40.
Q.Enclosed pictures are of a Mickey and Minnie Mouse set that I’ve had since I was 5; I am now 78. I wonder if there is any monetary value to them.
A. Listed as “The Two Pals,” your bisque figurines were made in Japan for importer George Borgfeldt of New York in the 1930s. The listing also suggests a value of $400-$700 for a set in mint condition with original packaging.
Q.I have a book titled “Useful Household Helps, Hints and Receipts.” It was printed in 1916 by Audel and Co. I would like to know how much the book is worth now.
A. Not a misspelling in the title, in the old days receipt also meant recipe. Along with tips on food preparation, this tome also suggested cleaning and laundry methods, care of books and leather, and even treatments for wounds. All in all, a most practical book, and one that I would spend hours perusing. However, its current value is as a curiosity rather than a cash asset.
Q. My mother has this pitcher for years. Could you offer any information concerning its age?
A.You say pitcher and I say teapot. Your decal decorated pot comes from England and probably dates to around 1940.
Q.This standing telephone was purchased for $88 at an antique store. Beneath the base is “Korea, 1974.” Does this have any value?
A. Once again it’s time to remind all my readers that items I comment on must pre-date 1970. While your telephone is unique, it’s just not old enough.
Recommended reading: “The Golden Age of Postcards,” Benjamin H. Penniston (Collector Books, 2008, $24.95); “Mueller’s Overview of American Compacts & Vanity Cases,” Laura M. Mueller (Collector Books, 2008, $29.95).
Contact the writer: Submit questions with photos to The Collector, P.O. Box 229, West Boxford, MA 01885-0229 or ask online at: www.askthecollector.com.
