Question: For the past 20 years I've collected toys from the various fast food restaurant chains here in California. . . . How can I find out what such toys (including McDonald's, Burger King, Jack in the Box, etc.) are worth? Is there a price guide listing such toys and their value? -- Linda Lee Logudice, Lakewood, Calif.Answer: Check out "Fast Food Toys -- Expanded 2nd Edition with Updated Values," by Gail Pope and Keith Hammond (Schiffer; 610-593-1777). It is available for $23.95 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Question: I inherited about 300 old cookbooks. How can I find out if they are worth anything, and where, or to whom, can I sell them? -- Helen McMath, Shreveport, La.
Answer: Cookbooks dating from the 1860s to the 1950s can be found described with their current values in "Vintage Cookbooks and Advertising Leaflets With Price Guide," by Sandra J. Norman and Karrie K. Andes (Schiffer; 610-593-1777). It is available for $33.90 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659. The book also has chapters on brand-name foods, wartime era cookbooks and more.
Another book with color photos and current values is "Guide to Collecting Cookbooks," by Bob Allen (L-W Books; 765-674-6450). It is available for $17.95 postpaid from Ace Enterprises.
To sell or obtain out-of-print cookbooks, write Kay Sullivan, c/o Kay's Treasured Cookbook Collection, P.O. Box 17, Kennelworth, IL 60043. Enclose a description of the books stating the title, author, edition, condition, published date, number of pages; and enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply or offer. Or phone Kay at 847-256-4459.
Question: My mom has been mentioning for years that she would like a Shirley Temple doll. Can you tell me where I can possibly find one of these dolls, and how much they are worth? -- Barbara Barrette, Kewaunee, Wis.
Answer: To obtain a Shirley Temple doll, write Gigi Williams (who has Shirley dolls for sale at various prices), c/o Gigi's Dolls & Sherry's Teddy Bears, 6029 N. Northwest Hwy., Chicago, IL 60631. Or phone her at 773-594-1540 for information or to buy or sell old dolls and related items. Or send three 33-cent stamps for a catalog.
You'll find 390 color photos of Shirley Temple dolls and related items with their prices in "Shirley Temple Dolls and Fashions: A Collector's Guide to The World's Darlings," by Edward R. Pardella (Schiffer; 610-593-1777). It is available for $33.90 post paid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Question: I have a collection of very old cameras, which I am told could be very valuable. How can I find out what they are worth? -- Beverly Fair, Wichita Falls, Texas
Answer: The world's leading camera guide with thousands of photos, and over 10,000 prices, is the 10th edition of "McKeown's Antique & Classic Cameras" (L-W Books; 765-674-6450). It is $73.95 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Question: Where can I find monsters and other types of old spooky collectibles? -- Chuck Wilson, Houston, Texas
Answer: You can bid on and buy various examples of such "spooky" toys and memorabilia that will be offered along with other collectables April 6-7 in Ted Hake's Mail & Phone Bid Auction Catalogue 153, which pictures, lists and describes 3,281 items. The catalog is available for $7.50 postpaid from Hake's Americana & Collectibles, P.O. Box 1444, Dept. L, York, PA 17405-1444. Phone 717-848-1333.
Write Anita Gold, P.O. Box 597401, Chicago, IL 60659; enclose an addressed stamped envelope. Due to the high volume of mail, not all letters can be answered, but priority will be given to those that include a copy of the column and the name of the paper it ran in. (C) 1999 Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service