Question: Where can I find information on Fostoria milk glass and how much aresuch such pieces are currently worth? Also, how can I identify the various patterns it was produced in?Answer: Fostoria milk glass was made by hand in white milk glass between 1954 and 1965, and in aqua and peach milk glass between 1957 and 1959. and It was produced in various patterns and pieces. To check them out, see the new book, "Fostoria Tableware, 1944-1986 -- The Crystal For America, Identification & Value Guide," by Milbra Long and Emily Seate (Collector Books; 502-898-6211). It is available in a 312-page hardcover edition for $28.95 postpaid, from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Because of its exceptional beauty and high quality, Fostoria was often given as wedding gifts. A special piece was the wedding bowl, which was displayed at wedding receptions to hold gifts of money, as well as wedding cake for the newlyweds to wish upon.
Question: How can I find out the value of old Dick and Jane readers? -- Mary Baxter, Houston, Texas
Answer: Information about such first-grade textbooks can be found, with a selection of them listed and priced, in the 1999 "Flea Market Trader -- Thousands Of Items With Current Values -- Twelfth Edition," by Sharon and Bob Huxford (Collector Books; 502-898-6211). It is available for $12.95 postpaid, from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659. According to the book, a 1946 hardcover edition of "Fun With Dick & Jane" is worth $350 if in near mint condition.
Question: Where can I find information on old-time radio shows and stars? -- Phil Mason, Bradenton, Fla.
Answer: You can subscribe to Chuck Schaden's bimonthly Nostalgia Digest and Radio Guide. It is available for $15 for a one-year subscription (six issues), or $25 for a two-year subscription (12 issues) from Nostalgia Digest, Box 421, Morton Grove, IL 60053.
Question: Does anyone collect and buy back scratchers? If so, what could they be worth?
Answer: If you're itchin' to find out, write back-scratcherbackscratcher collector Manfred S. Rothstein at the Fayetteville Dermatology Clinic, 1308 Medical Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28304. Enclose a photo or description of the scratcher or scratchers you have and a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply or offer. Although Rothstein wants all types of back scratchers, he especially desires those made of unusual materials or from foreign countries.
Question: My mother's birthday is coming up in August and the one thing she has always wanted is a talking Chatty Cathy doll like she had as a girl. Where can I possibly find one to make her birthday really and truly happy? -- Nancy Johnson, Fall River, Mass.
Answer: An exact reproduction of the original 20-inch Chatty Cathy doll (first made in 1960) that speaks 11 sentences, and has blond hair and blue eyes, and wears a red dress and white apron, and comes in a box with a shoe horn and booklet (just as the original did), is available for $89.95 plus $6.50 postage, from Gigi's Dolls & Sherry's Teddy Bears, 6029 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago, IL 60631. Or phone Gigi at 773-594-1540 to order the doll by credit card. A special Chatty Cathy holiday doll with brown hair and eyes will be released for Christmas and can be ordered in advance from Gigi for $89.95 plus $6.50 postage. A book that pictures such dolls and their accessories is "Chatty Cathy and her Talking Friends -- An Unauthorized Guide for Collectors With Value Guide," by Sean Kettelkamp (Schiffer; 610-593-1777). It is available for $28.90 postpaid, from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Question: I like to collect Ruby Red glass of any shape or form. However, I cannot find any books on such glass. Can you help me get what I want? -- C.M.G., Albuquerque, N.M.
Answer: Two companion books are "Ruby Glass of the 20th Century -- Volume I," by Naomi L. Over (Antique Publications; 740-373-6146) for $26.45 postpaid, and "Ruby Glass of the 20th Century -- Volume II" for $34.45 postpaid, both available from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box, 59354, Chicago, IL 60659. Also, check out "Royal Ruby," by Phillip Hopper (LW; 765-674-6450), with color photos, recent prices, uncommon patterns, descriptions and more. It's available for $27.95 postpaid, from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, IL 60659.
Question: Where can I get a price guide or book that lists prices for different things, such as glassware, toys, furniture, pictures, china, books, bottles and other types of antiques and collectibles? -- Sally C., Dallas, Texas
Answer: Check out these three books: