Question: I have a Foghorn-Leghorn cookie jar. How can I find out its value, and where can I sell it? -- Caroline Webster, Providence, R.I.Answer: A Foghorn-Leghorn ceramic cookie jar, copyrighted in 1993 by Warner Bros. Inc. and produced by Certified International Corp., is valued at between $50 and $60, according to the "Collector's Encyclopedia Of Cookie Jars -- An Illustrated Value Guide, Book III," by Fred Roerig & Joyce Herndon (Collector Books). The book is available for $27.95 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
A ceramic Foghorn-Leghorn utensil holder made in 1995 is priced between $20 and $25, and a Foghorn-Leghorn container with Dog and Henry Hawk on its back, made in 1996, is priced between $65 and $75, according to the book. To sell your Foghorn-Leghorn item, write collector Kathy Finnegan, P.O. Box 1705, Wells, ME 04090. Enclose a photo or complete description of the item.
Question: How can I find out the value of some old Tarzan books and comics I've had since I was a kid, and was offered $100 for? -- Rich James, Phoenix, Ariz.
Answer: Try the "Guide To Tarzan Collectibles -- With Prices," by Glenn Erardi (Schiffer; 610-593-1777). It contains current values for books, toys, games, puzzles, cards, comics, movies, action figures and lots more. The book is available for for $33.90 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Question: I inherited my grandmother's collection of old toothpick holders . How can I find out more about them and their value? -- Paula Lee Andrews, Phoenix, Ariz.
Answer: Check out "Glass Toothpick Holders --Identification & Values," by Neila and Tom Bredehoft and Jo and Bob Sanford (Collector Books; 502-898-6211). This 1999 new book has pictures, describes, dates and prices toothpick holders produced in numerous patterns and colors by American glass manufacturing companies. It is available for $27.95 postpaid, from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Another great book is "Toothpick Holders: China, Glass and Metal -- With Updated Prices," by the National Toothpick Collectors Society (Antique Publications; 740-373-6146). It is available for $34.45 postpaid from Ace Enterprises.
For an annual membership in the National Toothpick Holder Collectors Society, send $15 to the the NTHCS c/o Toby Shugart, P.O. Box 417, Safety Harbor, FL 34695-0417.
Question: When my daughter was little, she was given a plastic aquarium with a cord attached, that when pulled, made the little plastic fish inside, swim in the water that was sealed inside. Are such types of novelty aquariums still being made, and if so, where can I get one? -- Sharee Henderson, Albuquerque, N.M.
Answer: The aquarium you describe was most likely a Pull 'n' See Aquarium patented and produced in 1979 by Shellcore. However, a far more entertaining example is the Tropic Paradise magic aquarium. It has a black plastic frame and clear plastic front with a colorful background scene and eight fish of different types and sizes that swim freely, when the tank (which runs on two size D batteries) is activated.
The aquarium is available for $37 postpaid (batteries not included) from With Best Wishes, 250 Thompson Blvd., Buffalo Grove, IL 60089, or phone 847-913-6803 for information or to order by credit card.
Question: Years ago we were given a glass fishing float. It measures 16 inches in diameter and is made of a brown colored glass one can see through. It has no markings, but the top looks as if a stem was broken off. How can we find out more about the use of these floats, and their value? -- Marilyn Hoffman, Bellevue, Iowa
Answer: Contact collector Stu Farnsworth, P.O. Box 847, Wilsonville, OR 97070. Enclose a color photo of the float and note its its color, measurements; also include a description or drawing of any marks it may have, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply, free appraisal, or offer.
Question: Is there a place where I can get my grandmother's silver brush and comb set re-brushed and re-combed? -- Nancy Perry, Frankfort, Ky
Answer: A shop that replaces bristles and combs in such silver holders is Ciske & Dresch, 1125 Paramount Parkway, Batavia, IL 60510. Enclose a photo or description of the pieces, state what you want done, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply and price estimate. Or phone Agnes at 630-879-7818 for information.
Question: How can I find out the value of a 1976 Ideal board game called "The Sinking of the Titanic," which I want to sell? -- Jane Galin, Newport, R.I.
Answer: It is listed as being worth $33 in the "Baby Boomer Games -- Identification & Value Guide," by Rick Polizzi (Collector Books; 502-898-6211). The book is available for $27.95 postpaid, from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Anyone interested in buying the game can write me to contact Jane.
Also, write me to contact Virginia Purcell of Houston, Texas, who wants to buy at least one of board game called "Is the Pope Catholic?" It was produced in 1985-86 by Crowley Communications of Studio City, Calif., which no longer exists in that area. Does anyone know the company's present location?
NOTE: Illustrated catalogs for the July 17 Skinner Toys and Dolls Auction, from which one can place absentee bids, are available for $26 postpaid from Skinner's Bolton Gallery, Route 117, Bolton, MA 01740, or phone 978-779-6241 or 617-350-5400 for information, or visit Web site at http://www.skinnerinc.com.
Write Anita Gold, P.O. Box 597401, Chicago, IL 60659; enclose an addressed stamped envelope. Only a very limited number of letters can be answered personally, but priority will be given to those that include a copy of the column. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.