Question: My late father was a musician who played the saxophone. He had a Conn's "Naked Lady" tenor sax, which has the name "Naked Lady" engraved into the instrument. It is probaby about 45-50 years old, is in great condition, still sounds good, and has the original pads. How can we find out its value, and where can we sell it?
- Margaret Mike, Houston, Texas
Answer: The value of such a nickel Conn 10 M saxophone (made in Elkhart, Ind.) depends on its condition, serial number, from when it dates and whether it's gold or silver-plated or of laquered brass.
Those dating from the 1940s are worth more because they have rolled tone holes. Gold-plated examples dating from the '40s are worth $1,000, silver-plated ones about $800, and brass ones around $650, says Dr. Rick and Terry Dean, who buy, sell and appraise old saxophones, flutes, clarinets and related odd or unusual instruments. Those dating from the '50s would be worth less, they say.
Write them in care of the Village Flute & Sax Shop, 35 Carmine St.,New York, NY 10014; enclose a photo or description of the sax, including its color, serial number and year it dates from, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply or offer. Or phone 212-243-1276 for information.
Question: Where can I find information on, and the value of, a 4-inch grooved American Indian stone ax in mint condition that (I've been told) is at least 5,000 years old? Also, how can I contact various Indian artifact collectors?
- Ronnie Hartry, Milledgeville, Ga.
Question: At a country auction, I got carried away and bought a collection of beautifully framed Indian arrowheads. How can I find out more about them and what they could be worth?
- George Davis, Lexington, Ky.
Answer: Countless examples of such stone axes along with metal trade-era types and tomahawks, as well as all other types of Indian artifacts, can be found in the fifth edition of "North American Indian Artifacts - A Collector's Identification and Value Guide" by Lar Hothem; it is available for $26.95 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659. The book also lists Indian artifact collectors, dealers, organizations, shops and societies, etc.
Thousands of Indian arrowheads can be found in the first edition of the "Official Price Guide To American Indian Arrowheads - More Than 4,000 Prices Listed" by John L. Stiver. It is available for $20.50 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Question: Our neighbors moved and left behind a pile of trash from which we retrieved an old broken and cracked Bakelite radio. Would it (or its parts) have any value to anyone?
- Shelia Anderson, Miami, Fla.
Answer: A serious collector of old Bakelite or early plastic radios is Barry Janov, 2454 Dempster St., Suite 416, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Enclose a photo or description of the radio and a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply, free evaluation or quick cash offer. Janov also buys old toy radios as well as children's types decorated with comic, cartoon or Western characters and says he would light up if only he had a Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer example.
Question: My sister, who lives in Australia, recently bought an old knitting machine and wants to know where she can find related books or publications, none of which can be found in her area. Can you help?
- Quita Duhon, Pinehurst, Texas
Answer: A magazine your sister will love and learn from is Machine Knitters Source. It is published bimonthly for $26.95 a year, $43.45 for two years, or $62.95 for three years (or send $5.50 for the current issue, and $2.99 for the 1995-1996 Machine Knitters Resource Guide) from Machine Knitters Source, P.O. Box 1527, Vashon, WA 98070-9905, or phone 800-628-8047.
Editor Vicky Mercer says there are over 35,000 active machine knitters in the United States and far more in England. However, because most of the metal-bed machines are sold through home-based businesses, such knitting machines can be hard to find.
Question: Where can I find pictures or prints of the Chicago River, as well as information regarding its history, legends and wildlife? Are there any related publications or sources that would interest me?
- Pauline Johnson, Milwaukee, Wis.
Answer: Gorgeous and grand color city views of the Chicago River can be seen and studied in "Chicago From the River" with photographs and text by Joan V. Lindsay available for $16.95 postpaid and autographed from Joan V. Lindsay, 284 Eaton, Northfield, IL 60093.
One can also reap the adventurous rewards of the river and enjoy its many benefits, mystery and magic by joining the Friends of the Chicago River, which offers an annual membership and uncommon, unique and informative River Reporter seasonally published newsletter for $25 from the Friends of the Chicago River, 407 S. Dearborn St., Suite 1580, Chicago, IL 60605, or write or phone 312-939-0490 to request a brochure or list of Chicago River prints or artwork available from the FCR.