Q. A member of my family has inherited my father's collection of antique oil lamps. Do you know of any books that describe oil lamps and puts a value on them?
- Mary Alice Heard, Lexington, Ky.
A. Two carefully researched books - which picture, describe and price more than 1,000 oil lamps and accessories - are "Oil Lamps, The Kerosene Era in North America - Vol.I, With updated 1998 Prices" by Catherine Thuro (Collector Books; 1-502-898-6211), available for $43.95 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659, and "Oil Lamps, The Kerosene Era in North America - Vol. II," by Catherine Thuro (Collector Books), available for $27.95 postpaid from Ace Enterprises.
Q. Would a Pet Rock have any value? I still have mine in its original box.
- Sue Conway, Albany, N.Y.
A. The Pet Rock, produced in 1975 by Rock Bottom Productions, is priced at between $10 and $15, in "Fun Collectibles from the 1950s, 60s, & 70s - A Handbook & Price Guide" by Jan Lindenberger with Dana Cain (Schiffer; 1-610-593-1777). The book also includes furniture, kitchen accessories, ice buckets, toys, trays and a smattering of other funky and fun things and is available for $22.90 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Q. How can I find out the value of old fishing lures? I have quite a few that belonged to my uncle, and wonder what (if anything) they could be worth.
- Tim Johnson, Phoenix
A. To check out old, odd, or any lures for their value, phone fishing items collector Dan Basore toll free at 1-800-FISHLAK for a free appraisal, or to set up a buying appointment at your place.
Q. For several years, I've collected "Fire King Oven Ware" in various colors and patterns, but have not been able to find any reference material relating to such glassware. Is there a book on the subject which lists patterns and colors of such pieces with their values?
- Dot Heath, Durham, N.C.
A. A terrific new book that pictures such pieces in color along with their patterns and current prices, is "Anchor Hocking's Fire-King & More - Identification & Value Guide, Including Early American Prescut and Wexford," by Gene Florence (Collector Books; 1-502-898-6211).