Question: I'm enclosing a photo of my husband as a child in his pedal airplane. Unfortunately, along the way, the airplane found a new home. Now that we have a baby boy, I'd like to surprise my husband with the same toy plane to be given to our son on his first birthday, which will occur in three months. Can you help steer me in the right direction?
- Lyndi Frenay, Kingwood,Texas
Answer: Contact Kenny Robins, who deals in and restores pedal planes, pedal cars, bikes, scooters, motorcycles and other vintage vehicles, at P.O. Box 7177, Prospect Hts., IL 60070-7177. Enclose the photo you sent me, which I'm returning, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply. You also can phone Kenny at 847-299-1965.
Question: I'm in a real turmoil. My 90-year-old aunt recently passed away. She saved EVERYTHING, and it has been mind boggling. I can't keep it all nor do I want to throw anything away as there may be collectors somewhere who want such items. Is there a particular book you'd recommend that'll tell me (and others in my predicament) how to find collectors and dispose of such things?
- Rae-Ellen Botts, Phoenix
Answer: A most helpful book that lists the names, addresses and phone numbers of countless collectors, along with detailed descriptions of the thousands of specific items (often found in homes and everywhere else from attics to alleys) they want to buy, is the seventh edition of "Hyman's Trash or Treasure - How to Find the Best Buyers of Antiques, Collectibles and Other Undiscovered Treasures," by Tony Hyman. It is available in a 576-page directory for $29.95 postpaid from Trash or Treasure, P.O. Box 3001-X, Pismo Beach, Calif. 93448. California residents add 81/4 percent tax.
Question: I have lots of old records, most of which date from the 1950s to the 1980s, and some from before 1950. Where can I get a book that lists prices for such records?
- Kathy Britton, Carthage, N.Y.
Answer: You'll love the 17th edition of "Rockin' Records - Buyers, Sellers Reference Book and Price Guide," by Jerry Osborne. It lists, describes, dates and prices over 40,000 popular records - singles, LPs, 33rpms, albums, etc., dating from the 1950s through the 1980s. It also contains an extensive buyers-sellers directory. It is available in a 680-page telephone-directory-size edition for $43.95, postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, Ill. 60659.
Question: Are there any craftsmen who make specifically designed furniture to hold and hide computers, VCRs, TVs and other such modern necessities? Also, where I can find Early American reproduced redware or pottery dishes, as well as goblets that are lead free?
- Dianne Thomas, Milwaukee
Answer: You'll find exactly what you want in David T. Smith's booth, where his handmade Early American furniture made to hold modern-day electronic devices can be seen on display along with his lead-free sponge-decorated dishes at the big Country Folk Art Festival, which opens with a preview from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, March 22, with an admission of $7. It continues March 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on March 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an admission of $5 at Kane County Fairgrounds on Randall Road, between Routes 64 & 38 in St. Charles, Ill., near Chicago. For show information, phone 708-858-1568, or for travel and lodging, 800-653-2222; be sure to mention the show.
Also stop and see Alex Pifer's handmade and designed-to-be-accommodating country furniture, redware dishes, Early American goblets and country accessories. They are pictured in Alex Pifer's Seraph Country Catalogue; it is available in color for $6, postpaid from The Seraph, 5606 E. State, Route 37, Delaware, Ohio 43015; phone 614-369-1817.
To reach David T. Smith, phone him at 513-932-2472, or write the Workshops of David T. Smith, 3600 Shawhan Rd., Morrow, Ohio 45152 to request brochures.
Question: I have inherited a Hummel figurine titled "Apple Tree Boy" in mint condition. How can I determine its value, and to whom may it be sold?
- Joseph Pfeffer, Belleville, N.J.
Question: How can I find a buyer for several Hummel figurines which were made in Germany after WW II?
- Richard Gurney, Houston
Question: How can I dispose of my collection of Hummel figurines consisting of over 200 pieces, all of which are authentic and all of which are in mint condition. Some pieces, marked Germany, date back to before World War II.
- Mary Rasp, San Angelo,
Texas
Question: Help! I have a bunch of Hummels purchased in Europe in the early 1950s. I need to sell them but can't find a price list. Can you direct me?
- Norleen Folsom, Lakeside,
Calif.
Question: I have a substantial Hummel collection I'd be interested in selling. Could you provide names and addresses of dealers or buyers?
- Michael Jazwinski, Roanoke,
Ala.
Answer: This is in answer to the numerous Hummel-related questions readers ask: To sell or auction Hummel figurines or related Hummel items, write Hummel auctioneer Andre Ammelounx, P.O. Box 136-HUMMELS, Palatine, Ill. 60078. Include a description of each Hummel, including its name, size, condition, any wording or numbers it has and an exact drawing of its mark; enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply, or phone Andre at 708-991-5927.
To check out values for Hummel figurines, consult the 10th edition of "Luckey's Hummel Figurines & Plates - A Collector's Identification and Value Guide - Current Price List, Thousands Listed," by Carl Luckey. It is available in a 440-page telephone-directory-size edition with color and black and white photos for $25.45, postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Question: I have four KISS dolls. Where can I write to find out how much they're worth?
- Pauline Caron, Fall River,
Mass.
Answer: A set of the four dolls made by Mego are pictured in color and listed as being worth $500 if mint-in-the-box condition, according to the new 10th edition of the "Flea Market Trader - Thousands of Items With Current Values," by Sharon and Bob Huxford. It is available in a 414-page edition for $14.95, postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, Ill. 60659.
To check out or sell KISS memorabilia or records, write KISS collector and dealer Thomas J. Shannon, 3296 Featherston Drive, Lexington, KY 40515; enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply, appraisal or offer.