Question: Over the years I've collected wooden spools, some with thread, some not, and some which have never been used. Who can I contact to find out how much my spools are worth? Also how can I find out the value of various glass bottles of different colors, shapes, and ages? I'm also interested in all small types of antiques that one person could handle with relative ease, and wonder if there's a book or guide that covers all such items?
- Jack Crowe, Phenix City, Ala.
Answer: If there was a book or guide covering ALL small antiques (of the type you'd be able to handle with relative ease) I doubt very much if that would be the case regarding such a book that would be so massive in size, you'd get a hernia if you tried to handle it at all!
However, there are numerous price guides on the market that cover numerous types of small (and large) antiques, including the 1997 "Schroeder's Antique Price Guide" available in a 608-page telephone-directory-size edition covering 700 different categories with 50,000 prices available for $14.95 postpaid from Collector Books, P.O. Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002-3009.
In reference to values of wooden spools and bottles, read on. According to Jim Bohenstengel of Jim's Antiques, such wooden spools if American-made are only worth between 10 and 25 cents each if complete with thread, while European-made examples with silk thread and colorful labels stating their country of origin, are worth between $1 and $2 each in unused condition; European examples with elaborate artistic labels are worth $3 in mint condition or more depending on just how elaborate the labels may be.
Bohenstengel buys the European examples in mint unused condition, as well as Victorian sewing implements ranging from thimbles to figural pin cushions to old spool cabinets, sewing birds, bodkins, etc., should you care to write him c/o Jim's Antiques, P.O. Box 623, Oak Park, IL 60303. Enclose a photo of what you have, stating its condition, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply, offer, or written appraisal fee, or write or send your phone number along with the time and days you can be reached for a free verbal appraisal or offer.
Jim also buys Irish Belleek, fine art, old Christmas ornaments and fine antiques should you care to phone him at (708) 524-8870 for information. Sewing-related antiques can be found pictured in color along with their descriptions and current values in the new hardcover edition of "Sewing Tools & Trinkets - Collector's Identification & Value Guide" by Helen Lester Thompson; it is available for $26.95 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
The book also pictures and prices colorful trade cards advertising American spools of thread priced from $2 to $10 each which (today) are far more valuable than the actual spools.
Examples of various types of bottles can be found pictured, described and priced in the 1996-1997 10th edition of the "Kovel's Bottle Price List - 10,000 Prices, 350 Photos & Much More" (Crown). It is available for $18 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659. Another good (but different book) which lists, describes and prices various types of old and new bottles is the "Official Price Guide To Bottles - 11th Edition" by Jim Megura (House of Collectibles). It is available in a 428-page edition for $17 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Question: Where can I write to locate a buyer/collector of old 78 rpm records? I wish to sell a collection of classical and popular music of 1940-1950 vintage which includes well-known artists.
- Marjorie Herzog,
Boca Raton, Fla.
Answer: Write David Reiss, 3920 Eve Dr., Seaford, NY 11783. He buys all types of 78 rpm records including classical and foreign examples as well as those of the spoken word dating from 1900 to 1940. Enclose a list of the 78 rpm records only including the label, artist, and catalog (or index) number of each (song titles are not necessary) and include a self-addressed stamped envelope for an offer or if you wish an evaluation. If you wish to talk records, phone Dave at (516) 785-8336.
Question: Over the years I've accumulated a huge assortment of old crocheted and embroidered doilies purchased at flea markets and house sales. How can I find out if they have any value?
- Leah Russell, Milwaukee, Wis.
Answer: An outstanding book loaded with information, which pictures and prices numerous doilies and other embroidered and crocheted pieces is "Collecting Household Linens With Values" by Frances Johnson (Schiffer). It is available in a large size edition with full color photos for $32.90 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Question: Where can I get a catalog offering collectible modern dolls for sale including Barbies?
- Sharon Fields, Buffalo, NY
Answer: Write Gigi Williams c/o Gigi's Dolls & Sherry's Teddy Bears, 6029 N. Northwest Hwy., Chicago, IL 60631 enclosing a dollar bill for their extensive illustrated order catalog, or phone the shop at (773) 594-1540 for information or to buy or sell dolls of any type and age.