Q. When I was a child many years ago, I fell in love with a doll named Poor Pitiful Pearl which was on the market during Christmas. I only saw her that one season and have regretted ever since that I let her slip by. Is there any way I can find information on her and whether or not she is still available?
-Elaine Valentine,Lexington, Ky.
A. You can find Poor Pitiful Pearl pictured in color and fully described in "Dolls and Accessories of the 1950s - With Value Guide," by Dian Zillner (Schiffer; 610-593-1777). The book is available for $33.90 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Poor Pitiful Pearl was a cartoon character created by William Steig. The vinyl doll with sleep eyes, rooted saran hair, and painted features (produced by Brookglad Corp.'s Glad Toy Co.) was made in 13-inch and 16-inch sizes, and came with two outfits. One of the outfits was a ragged patched dress with a babushka; the other was a frilly party frock.
Back in 1958, Sears Christmas catalog offered the doll in a 13-inch size for $4.98, but today such a doll would be worth between $75 and $85, according to the above book.
In later years, other versions of the doll were made by Horsman; those included, in 1963, an 18-inch size, which came with a mirror, brush, comb and locket and an illustrated booklet by Steig; and, in 1966, 11-inch and 18-inch sizes.
Anyone having a Poor Pitiful Pearl doll for sale, can write me to contact Elaine.
Q. I have a 1.7-ounce bottle of Marilyn Monroe Golden Musk in a gold container, that says "1985 The Estate of Marilyn Monroe, MM Beauty Corp. Inc. Dist. New York, NY 10011" on the back of the box. I was told they were going to distribute it, but for some reason did not. How can I find out more about it and if it has any collector's value?
- Karen Carrante,
Cave Creek, Ariz.
A. Write perfume bottle author and expert Christie Mayer Lefkowith, FDR Station, P.O. Box 5200, New York, NY 10150-5200. Enclose a clear color photo of the bottle and box stating their measurements, how you came into their possession, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply, or phone Christie at 212-758-8550 to try and sniff out an answer.
Q. Where can I find information on the value of Breyer plastic horse models I've collected since I was a child?
-Karen Hart, Gulf Breeze. Fla.
A. Everything you want to know about such horses and other Breyer animals can found in the 1998 "Breyer Animal Collector's Guide - Identification and Values" by Felicia Browell (Collector Books; 502-898-6211). It is available for $21.95 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659. The book also has lists informative sources, magazines, newsletters, catalogs and Breyer-related guides.
Q. I'm interested in collecting marbles - those spheres with which so many boys were obsessed in the '50s and '60s. Where can I find information on marbles regarding their value, types, etc., and how can I get in touch with any organizations which represent such activities?
-Michael Holmes, Bountiful, Utah.
A. A terrific book that pictures all types of handmade and machine-made marbles in bold color and includes their dates, descriptions, types of materials, designs, origins, sizes, manufacturers and current values, is "Marbles - Identification and Price Guide - Expanded and Revised 2nd Edition With Updated 1998 Prices" by Robert Block (Schiffer; 610-593-1777). It is available for $23.90 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Another great book is "Marble Mania - With Price Guide," by Stanley A. Block (Schiffer; 610-593-1777). It is available for $38.90 postpaid from Ace Enterprises.
There's also the new 1998 "Guide to Cat's-Eyes Marbles," by Peterson and Castle (Collector Books; 502-898-6211); it's available for $10.95 postpaid from Ace Enterprises.
Marble clubs, associations, dealers, collectors, auction services and numerous other sources for marbles and all other types of popular and peculiar collectibles, can be found listed in "Maloney's Antiques & Collectibles Resource Directory - 4th Edition," by David J. Maloney (ATB; 319-588-2073), which lists over 15,750 antiques and collectibles resources in 29,000 categories. It is available in a gigantic 672-page edition for $33.95 postpaid from Ace Enterprises.
To join the Marble Collectors Society of America, write it at P.O. Box 222, Trumbull, CT 06611; enclose a long self-addressed stamped envelope for membership details or to locate marble collectors in your area.
Q. I collect anything and everything that's flamingo-related - pictures, glasses, photos, postcards, Hawaiian shirts, etc. Can you provide me with any information or sources from where I can get more?
-Mark Bannerman, Houston
A. To put you in the pink, send for a free copy of the Autumn Preview 1998 issue of What on Earth, A Collection Of Fun Wear & Delightful Diversions, a 96-page color catalog offering high quality pink flamingo items (including an eyeglass holder, wall clock, ceramic toothbrush holder, lotion dispenser, toilet brush holder, soap dish, bath towel, fringed throw, shirts, shorts, a musical flamingo glitter snow shake that plays "Moon Over Miami", etc., and countless other items relating to other types of birds, animals, and uncommom collectibles). Write What on Earth, 2451 Enterprise East Parkway, Twinsburg, OH 44087, or phone 1-800-945-2552 for a free catalog.
Or anyone wishing to sell flamingo items, or start a flamingo collectors club, can write me to contact Mark.