January 15In many houses the refrigerator serves as much as a bulletin board or scrapbook as major appliance. On the door one might find a child's drawing, or the family activities calendar. Often, inspirational items like a favorite quote or poem spend years, even decades, as part of the dιcor. Dear Collector, I have a total of 12 decanters similar to the one in the enclosed photo. Each soldier is different and they have Arnart Imports Inc. on the underside. I have no idea what the value of these figurines might be; your help would be much appreciated. January 8Dear Collector, This very old plate marked "Royal Cauldon, 1774" belonged to my dad. What is it worth? January 1Occasionally, in conversation, I'll hear someone say they are not one of those people who like "things." I usually hide a smile. Dear Collector, Enclosed is a picture and marking on the bottom of a figurine I inherited from my mother. She got it from a friend who bought it in the 1920s. Could you please tell me the value? December 11Dear Collector, I am hoping you can give me some information on this juicer that has been in our family for more than 70 years? My grandchildren are fascinated with it and I would love to give them its history. November 13Dear Collector, I recently acquired this Singer treadle sewing machine for $70. Would you mind telling me if it has any real value? November 6Dear Collector, I was born in 1948 and have this cookie jar that was purchased the year of my birth. It has sat on shelves in more than 18 different homes, and somehow it came out of these many moves unscathed. I was told it was made by Shawnee Pottery, but now they are out of business. Information on this item would be appreciated. October 30Dear Collector, I've had this Roseville piece for sixty or more years. Could you please tell me what it is worth? October 23Sometimes the answer is right in front of you.I was looking for a color, the perfect shade of golden yellow, but nothing was quite right. Dear Collector, I was wondering what this kaleidoscope patented in 1873 is worth? Someone told me, or I read somewhere that it could be worth thousands. October 16Isn't it nice that there are some things that never seem to go out of style? Sure, trends come and go, but the basics stay the same. Dear Collector, I received this vase as a gift in the late 1940s, and have seen where Roseville items are collectible. Does it have any value? October 9Most of us wouldn't dream of bringing home an extra toaster or coffeemaker or television just because we found one we liked. We replace those things when we need to. We'd feel a little foolish to have appliances stacked in the garage or tucked in to closets because we just couldn't resist picking up another one. Most of us wouldn't dream of bringing home an extra toaster or coffeemaker or television just because we found one we liked. We replace those things when we need to. We'd feel a little foolish to have appliances stacked in the garage or tucked in to closets because we just couldn't resist picking up another one. Dear Collector, I recently purchased this Richard Ginori cachepot at a garage sale for $1. The bottom is marked "Bonwit Teller." Can you tell me about this piece and its value? Dear Collector, I recently purchased this Richard Ginori cachepot at a garage sale for $1. The bottom is marked "Bonwit Teller." Can you tell me about this piece and its value? October 2Like a lot of people in the area, Holly Bickford was looking forward to spending the day at the Antiques Roadshow last August. Dear Collector, This Folger's coffee maker has been in our family for many years. I would like to know something about it and what it might be worth? September 4Dear Collector, This Hull vase has been in the family a long time. How old is it and what is it worth? When the Antiques Roadshow was in town, I spent several hours at the convention center on the set of the Public Television show. I talked with people who were waiting patiently for their turn in the spotlight and I asked some of them to contact me later with the information they'd been given about their treasures. August 28It comes and it goes. Those of us who like to look at, and all too often bring home, things we've picked up at antique shops and flea markets know this well. Dear Collector, My mother was born in 1888. I believe this toy stove was hers. What is the value? August 21Ask any school-age child how many days of summer vacation are left and they'll all give you the same answer: Not enough. Dear Collector, I would like to know about the pictured teapot that I received from my grandmother in the late 1940s or early '50s." It is marked "Tom the Piper's Son." August 14I'm going to miss the sea this year.For a lot of reasons, some more practical than others, I'm not going to the seashore any time soon. Dear Collector, Could you please give me some information on the attached picture of my tea set? It is marked on the bottom of each piece with a gold crown, "Lefton China." I received it as a gift many years ago and wonder if it has any value other than sentimental. August 7More than 6,000 people may have made the trip to the Antiques Roadshow on Saturday, but there are plenty of people around the area who didn't make it. And they are just as proud of, and curious about, their treasures. Dear Collector, My parents had this bowl that I have always loved. I wonder about its history and value. The marks on the bottom are "LE?, Vienna, Austria" and the initials "TK." July 31It's a sure thing that whole a lot of treasures will be taken to the Spokane Convention Center this Saturday to be evaluated by appraisers for the Antiques Roadshow. Family heirlooms and garage sale finds alike will paint a picture of popular culture. Dear Collector, The Dutch Boy cookie jar in the enclosed photo was purchased in the late 1940s. On its bottom there's only "USA." Is there any value in this jar? July 24That little Seattle Mariners bobble-head on your desk or the swaying hula dancer on the dashboard are just newcomers compared to Victorian era "nodders." Dear Collector, This table vase belonged to my mother-in-law and I inherited it in 1956. I would like to know more about it and what it's worth. I have copied the marks shown on this vase but they are not very clear. July 17Growing up, Becky Kramarz remembers a lovely old stuffed bear on display in her aunt's home. The bear, an original Steiff teddy bear, had been made in 1903 and was purchased by her aunt's father to celebrate her birth.
Dear Collector,I would like you to appraise this Roseville "818-8" vase so that I may know its value. We've had it for about 50 years, and my mother had it for 25 years before that. July 3Seated in the sunroom of her Rathdrum farmhouse, Rolane Hopper places a hand on a well-worn table covered in peeling paint. Dear Collector, The 10-inch high Pinocchio doll in this photo has "Made by Ideal Novelty & Toy Co." on its stomach. I would appreciate knowing his value. By now, you know if you're in. If you entered the ticket lottery for the Aug. 4, Antiques Roadshow event in Spokane, and you won a ticket, you've been notified. June 26It's hard to imagine anything more summery than berries. Especially red, ripe, strawberries.In that way, Dianne Cook, with her collection of strawberry themed collectibles and household items, keeps summer all year long. Dear Collector, The bowl in these photos was given to me in 1950 by my aunt. Can you tell me its value and how old it is? June 12Dear Collector, This two-sided plate/bowl was given to me years ago. On the back is an eagle with "C.T."; what is the value and history of this piece? June 5My books, some of which have been with me since childhood, are as beloved to me as a few of the people I know and care about. And I turn to them almost as often. Dear Collector, I bought this sign at an estate sale for $25. Do you think it is worth anything or was $25 too much? Next weekend two Coeur d'Alene women are striking out on their own. Brenda Olivera and Jovina Kelly will hold the Shabby Sweethearts Sale at the Mica Grange on Highway 95. May 29One of the delights of moving is discovering new things about a house or garden as the seasons change. I hadn't noticed the tall shrub in the backyard near the fence until the blooms appeared. And when the beautiful lilac bloomed it was a delightful surprise. I snipped one of the fragrant blossoms and looked around for a vase to hold it. Coincidentally I'd just unpacked my collection of vintage "hand" vases pottery pieces made in the shape of a woman's hand holding a vase. They'd been stored in a box in the garage since the move and I'd almost forgotten about them. Dear Collector, The enclosed photo is of a key-wound tank complete with rat-a-tat machine gun and gunner. The only clue to its manufacture is a "Pat's Pend'g, Mar Toys" of the hatch. May 22One of the first things we did when we moved to Spokane was to go to Art Fest in Browne's Addition. May 15"Spokane wasn't ready for this 20 years ago," says Doug Miller of the new Spokane Park 'n Swap, a European-style outdoor flea and farmers' market, opening Saturday at the corner of Highway 2 and Hawthorne Road in the parking lot of the old Newport Cinemas. Dear Collector, My grandmother gave this gun to my husband years ago. She thought it was from the Spanish-American War. On one side of the revolver, above the trigger, it has "Starr Arms, New York." We would appreciate any information, including its value? I have a friend who has a new baby boy. Lucky friend. Lucky boy.Shopping for a gift for the new baby was fun. But then it's always fun to shop for baby gifts. Who can resist tiny gowns, soft booties and snuggly blankets? For Tuesday, May 15, 2007. May 8Dear Collector, I hope you find this dish interesting. It was given to my mother by a neighbor over fifty years ago. The neighbor claimed at the time that it was very old. Sometimes, it's hard to remember that I once lived in a space inhabited by little ones.Gone are the rattles and blankies and alphabet blocks. May 1Dear Collector, Enclosed is a picture of a 4 ½-inch Paul McCartney doll. Can you please give me an idea of its present value? After months of wintry weather and gray days, the thought of getting outside and feeling the sun on my back and a warm breeze in my hair sounds wonderful. More antiques sales coming up in May include: Sister's Spring Sale. May 11-12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on 14th Avenue between Bernard and Monroe streets in Spokane. Follow signs. For more information, call Carrie Druffel at (509) 443-0258. April 24Remember how much fun it was when you were a child to buy a box of cereal knowing there was an extra treat inside? The cereal was sweet, but that toy or trinket or special little gift inside made it taste all the better. Dear Collector, I gave my little sister this Santa bank many years ago, and would like to know if it has any value? April 17Dear Collector, This uniquely painted teapot, part of a three piece set, was my mother-in-law's. Each piece is marked with a pagoda topped by the words "Gold Castle," while beneath is "Hand Painted, Chik, USA, Made In Japan." April 10Dear Collector, Is this German one mark bill worth anything? I think my grandfather got it when visiting Germany before WWII. When Depression-era American housewives bought a jar of soft cheese spread from Kraft, they got more than just the cheese. The decorative containers known as Swanky Swig glasses were decorated with colorful images. The Antiques Roadshow won't be pulling into Spokane until Aug. 4, but anyone interested in attending should register to enter the ticket lottery now. You can register online at www.pbs.org/roadshow or by sending a postcard by May 5 to Spokane Roadshow, Box 249, Canton, MA 02021. April 3Dear Collector, I have in my possession a 1950s Chatty Cathy doll in her original outfit with wardrobe. At one time she would say something when the string in the back of her neck was pulled, but now she doesn't talk. I am wondering what you can tell me about her value. Emmy Woods is a pocillovist. No, really. That's what she is.Woods' hobby is collecting egg cups, also known as pocillovy. And she has quite a collection. The Antiques Roadshow won't be pulling into Spokane until Aug. 4, but anyone interested in attending should register to enter the ticket lottery now. You can register online at www.pbs.org/roadshow or by sending a postcard by May 5 to Spokane Roadshow, Box 249, Canton, MA 02021. March 27Often, you hear people say they don't collect anything because they don't like to have a lot of clutter around. And it's true that most collections take up valuable space. Dear Collector, This "Garrison's Gorillas" book is from a TV show. All the pages are intact; is it worth money? March 20Dear Collector, We found this "Winnie the Pooh" in the attic. The tag on the foot says "© MCMLXVI Walt Disney Prod., Made in Japan." How old is it and what is it worth? Sometimes the simplest things are the most important. Most modern kitchens are outfitted with high-tech appliances and the drawers are filled with complicated gadgets. March 13Dear Collector, Enclosed is a photo of the Shirley Temple pitcher given to me by my grandmother who is 86 years old. She had it for more than 60 years. Can you tell me something about it? When people start looking around at their treasures, preparing to take them to an appraiser, they look for the usual things: art, silver, pottery and some textiles. And fine jewelry, of course. Each month Spokesman-Review staff writer, Julianne Crane, profiles a local artist or craftsman or woman who creates art objects or crafts for the home or garden. She'll tell us a little about the artwork and its creator and even tell us where we can purchase the piece. March 6There is a photo on my computer that makes me laugh every time I look at it. It shows my four children standing in my front yard. The idea was to take a picture to accompany cards to friends and family over the holidays. Well, that was my plan. Unfortunately, my children had other ideas. Dear Collector, I bought this tubeless transistor Royal 500 radio for $60 in the 1950s. What is it worth as of now? February 27After the decision for demolition, after the asbestos removal, after the total wreckage on Riverside Avenue, for a few days the giant Rookery pit hid a few useful treasures. Tiny spoons lead to big collections. That's the lesson in last week's Treasure Hunt column. When I profiled Charlotte Peterson and her collection of 65 souvenir spoons, I knew I would hear from other collectors. Souvenir spoons are popular collectibles. They are small enough to travel well, they can be elaborate and unique and they can be permanent, tangible reminders of a favorite vacation or location. For South Hill resident Donna Young, the "one that got away" is a Dresden china milk pitcher. Young was in an antique shop in Vancouver, B.C., when she discovered a delicate Dresden tea set. Captivated by the gold trimmed, floral china, she purchased the teapot with its cream and sugar service, but not the matching milk pitcher. February 20It's funny how one thing always leads to another. When I wrote about teacups, I got a flood of calls, e-mails and letters from people who share my fondness for tea in a pretty cup. Dear Collector, Enclosed is a photo of a cookie jar in the shape of a rabbit that my mother has had since the 1960s. February 13I wear my heart on a gold chain.The delicate charm is always with me.In 1997, I was invited to a private estate sale. There was the usual household inventory: furniture, linens, dishes and kitchen items. Dear Collector, Enclosed are two pictures of an iron "Speaking Dog" bank that has a patent date of 1885. Money is removed from the bottom by using a key. By pulling a lever at the dog's hind foot, the money drops into the bank. Who made this bank and what is it worth? February 6Last year when Jim and Arlene Coulson headed downtown to buy some of the Fox Theater seats as part of a fundraiser for the venerable Spokane movie house, they had a rough figure in mind. In last week's column, I wrote about local music legend Slim Dossey's quilt. And, as always, one good treasure led to another. Dear Collector, Could you help me identify this wash basin? It has the following text on the back: "Emery Azalea Burslem England." January 30Dear Collector, We have recently acquired this beautiful vase, marked "Roseville." We've looked in all the books we can find and have snooped in some antiques centers, and cannot find this pattern. Can you give us an idea what it is, how old and what it might be worth? So many of us are living far away from the places and people we knew as a child. We've made new lives, but through the things we've carried with us, we remain connected to the past. January 23Dear Collector, I would like to know how much my "Sad Sack" doll might be worth. It was mine as a kid; I was born in 1951. What's in your purse?Somewhere, deep in the darkest corner of mine, amid the jumble of grocery store receipts, gloves (right glove only) and keys, there is a mirror. I think. January 16Dear Collector, Enclosed is a picture of a cookie jar received at my wedding shower in 1943. We have attempted to locate a similar item at yard sales and antique stores. Please advise us of the value. When it's this cold outside, and I want to sit a minute and clear my head, I don't reach for the coffeepot. January 9Dear Collector, We would appreciate any information about this old pitcher. It has been in our family a long time. Markings are: "Sarreguemines, 3181," and another series of numbers. My book club met one night last week and this almost never happens I was early. So when I drove past a thrift store that was right on the way, I pulled in and parked. When you think about it, I wasn't just giving in to an impulse to do a little shopping. I was actually being considerate. January 2Dear Collector, I acquired these Walt Disney "character card games" at a garage sale a few years ago. The set of six is complete and in good condition, even the box. There is no indication regarding manufacturer. Can you tell me when this item was produced and a value? Last week I wrote about Nita Magnuson's gingerbread cookies. Each December, when Magnuson bakes a batch of cookies, she uses her mother's little red cookie cutter, and she remembers baking with her mother. Now that little cookie cutter has a special place in Magnuson's family. December 26Not everyone likes to go to garage sales or flea markets. Neither do we all have valuable heirlooms that have been passed down from generation to generation. Dear Collector, This toothpick holder was on my wife's parents' table for 60 years. Can you tell me anything about it and its worth? The only writing on it is "D-151773." December 19When December rolls around each year, Nita Magnuson of Coeur d'Alene likes to do some holiday baking. She gets out her mother's recipe for gingerbread and the cookie cutter her mother used to make gingerbread men when Magnuson was a child in the 1960s, and she gets to work. Dear Collector, We inherited this charming porcelain music box from my dad when he died at age 85. All we know is that he got it from his father. How old do you think it is? December 12When Missy Majnarich was a child, her nickname was "Missy Mouse." In the mid 1970s Majnarich's grandmother bought her a tiny Christmas mouse figurine. That was the start of a collection. Dear Collector, I acquired this clock when my father died in 1956. December 5Nostalgia can have a powerful pull on us at any time, but it's particularly strong this time of year. We look at all the decorations around town, and around the tree in our own home, and we are immediately transported back to childhood. Dear Collector, This plate has been in the family for years, the date on it is 1901. Could you let me know the value? November 28Dear Collector, I have enclosed a picture of a metal shoe with the following on the bottom: "Souvenir World's Exposition, Chicago, 1893." When Dennis Held contacted me about Area 58, his new store on North Monroe Street, it was obvious he was a regular reader. November 21Each year when she was a child in Billings, Florence Young's father, Oliver Forester, went deer hunting. Dear Collector, I paid $7 for this object at a going-out-of-business antique shop. The salesperson had no clue as to what it is. It measures 5 1/4 inches long by 2 inches wide and 2 inches high. My best guess is that it is a souvenir involving a bridge, or it's a writing pen or chopstick cradle. Can you help? November 14When he was a child in the 1950s, Randy Williams loved to go to a little store near his grandfather's cabin near Lake Arrowhead, Calif. Dear Collector, I got this cookie jar from my mother-in-law years ago. I've never used it; wouldn't hold enough cookies for my six children. Could you give me a date and value on it? November 7Quite often, in the evening after we get home from work and school, my daughters and I take a walk to a nearby park. We leash up our silly dogs, grab a bag of stale bread out of the freezer to feed the ducks, and hurry out the door. Dear Collector, I would like to know some history on this portable GM tube radio with a 67 1/2 volt battery? Hardly handy by today's standards, your circa 1940 pre-transistor superheterodyne (a principle to overcome interference which was invented by the creator of FM radio, Edwin Armstrong) pocket portable with four tubes and a battery with enough voltage to power a subway system, was considered the microchip of its day, even though it probably weighs several pounds. October 31Dear Collector, Could you please tell me the value of my vase? It is marked "Roseville, USA, 92-8." Dating from the early 1940s, the first two digits denote the pattern, while the third describes the vase's height in inches. When October rolls around, I love to decorate with the beautiful colors of autumn. I put pumpkins, squash, chestnuts and acorns in the center of the table with a few scarlet and gold maple leaves as accents. October 24Dear Collector, Can you help identify this vase I found at a yard sale? There is a partial paper label with the letters "ORR" above "CA." I didn't get on my bike all summer. Packing and moving (not to mention working) took up all my spare time. Then school started and free time got scarce and before I knew it we were cleaning out a space in the garage to store the bikes for winter. October 17Dear Collector: This picture of two birds signed by J. Gould was retrieved from the trash many years ago. The only other mark I can see is a small circle with some letters. This Saturday Everybody's Bazaar will fill the Spokane Fair and Expo Center with bargains of all kinds. More than 250 vendors, including local businesses, have reserved space to sell clothing, toys and household items as well as antiques and collectibles. October 10When Brenda Buckingham put together an antiques sale one year ago, she had little more than an idea. "I was convinced that there was enough interest around here for another show," she said. Dear Collector, Our Bigelow, Kennard & Co. clock has been in the family many years. What's it worth? October 3This time of year is all about harvesting and gathering. Apples are ripening on the trees in the orchards at Green Bluff. Pumpkins are in the fields and sweaters are back in the closet. Dear Collector, Enclosed are photos of a bank made by Durable Toy & Novelty. Could you please tell me the value? Popular during the 1950s, the Uncle Sam register bank's cash drawer would open automatically when full. September 26Dear Collector, Can you tell me if these bookends have appreciated in value? Made in 1935 by Roseville, your Pine Cone bookends (bowl in matching pattern was previously featured in this column) wholesaled for $7.80 per dozen way back then. For the past week, I've been wrapped in memories. When I asked readers to share the stories behind their favorite quilts, I didn't have to wait long for the tales to come rolling in. September 19This weekend, when you make the rolling, scenic, drive to Fairfield for the Farm Chicks Antique Show, enjoy the kiss of autumn in the air and think about those cool nights that are on the way. Dear Collector, My mother has a collection of Bing & Grondahl Christmas plates. The 1966 plate, shown in enclosed photos, is the oldest. Can you tell me what her plate is worth? September 12Dear Collector, Enclosed is a picture of a vase we found in the basement of our 1920s family home. Stamped on the bottom is "Cameo." Can you please give me some information on this item? The world of antiques and collectibles has its celebrities; authoritative professionals who seem to have been born knowing everything there is to know about rare and unusual items. September 5The chair stories just keep coming. I asked readers to share stories about chairs and I was touched by the responses. I'm not talking about Dad's broken-down recliner and how much you'd like to see it spontaneously combust. Dear Collector, In a previous column you wrote about a "Dutch Girl" cookie jar. Well, I have the "Dutch Boy" and wonder if it has about the same value? August 29I was never much of a secondhand clothes shopper. I know, I know, I'm not sure it's safe to admit that in public here in the Inland Northwest, but there you go. Dear Collector,I bought this dish at a yard sale; can you tell me anything about it? Brightly glazed earthenware, majolica is often molded into naturalistic forms. When it comes to pieces of furniture that have been in families for generations, it's easy to form deep-seated memories. Particularly when you have an heirloom chair. August 22Dear Collector, We've had this small vase for about 35 years, and before that it belonged to my father, who did business in Japan during the 1930s. This is a perfect time to talk about chairs. I just spent a week curled up in a chair in front of a big window in a cottage on the Oregon coast, looking out at the Pacific Ocean and working my way through a stack of books. August 8When I wrote about collecting vintage aluminum serving pieces and kitchen items a couple of weeks ago, I thought we'd covered it. But each day brought more calls and letters from readers who wanted to share their collections. Dear Collector, Enclosed is a picture of some candleholders my mother had for years and years. On their bottom it says: "Roseville USA, 1154-2." I was wondering what they would be worth today? August 1I have a thing for chairs. I especially love chairs that come in pairs. There is something so companionable about a pair of chairs flanking a reading light, pulled close to a table piled with books, or tucked into a quiet corner of the room. Dear Collector, I paid $142 for this set of rare Seiberling seven dwarfs figures. All have paint wear as shown. I would like to know if you think I paid a fair price for them. July 25Say you're in the market for a sofa. A plush leather sofa perfect for that corner in the study, perhaps, or a comfy couch slip-covered with a nice washable fabric that will stand up to the family. Last week I wrote about a set of aluminum coasters I picked up at an estate sale, and I asked readers to share their own stories. July 18Dear Collector, This tea set was given to my mother-in-law sometime in the 1930s. Can you tell me who made it and its approximate value? After discovering yet another white circle on the table, caused by a child's forgotten water glass left behind on the dining-room table, I started looking around for coasters. July 11Remember trips to the beach, or afternoons in the backyard sandbox, when you were a child? I'll bet that somewhere, half-buried in the sand around you, was a colorful little tin pail, a tiny shovel or a child-sized watering can. Dear Collector, The enclosed picture shows the watch my folks gave me in 1933. It runs and is in the original box; could you give me an idea of its worth? July 4The colors of July are red, white and blue. No Fourth of July picnic would be complete without the stars and stripes on everything from paper plates to T-shirts. Dear Collector,Could you give me the date, value and maker of this game board? Your 1890s travel game was based on the exploits of Nellie Bly, the pseudonym of reporter Elizabeth Cochrane (1867-1922), who bested Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days" by a week. June 27Dear Collector, I'm not sure if these refrigerator dishes are from the 1940s; what are they worth? Made "exclusively" by Hall China, these circa 1939 pieces were just some of the many types offered either as sets or singly. Driving to work on Friday, I passed 27 hand-lettered signs advertising garage sales, yard sales and a few estate sales. The summer months are prime time for such sales, and there are plenty out there for anyone who loves to shop them. June 20Last Thursday, I took a road trip. I joined the Antique Collectors Club, a group of women who get together monthly to talk about antiques and collectibles, at Apple Annie Antique Mall in Cashmere, Wash. Dear Collector: Enclosed is a photo of "Emily," a doll my mom got as a child in 1936. As you can see, she has her original clothing, including her name pin and bonnet. June 13Pins and needles are the little tools that help us keep buttons and hems intact. They are basic wardrobe supplies. It doesn't matter if you are an accomplished seamstress or just someone who knows how to deal with an occasional clothing emergency. Dear Collector,I am enclosing a picture of an Ansonia dome clock I bought in an antique store about 20 or 25 years ago. It keeps very good time and is a nice addition to our living room. June 6Remember when you were a child and everything you found was a treasure? A pretty stone, a broken shell on the beach, the Mercury dime that surfaced in the backyard after a hard rain and other souvenirs were slipped into the pocket of your jeans and taken home to be saved, tucked into a cigar box or shoebox and put away. Dear Collector,I have a Gene Autry wallet that is probably 50-plus years old, in near perfect condition. Is it worth anything? Valued at almost $75, this leather billfold with zipper is as old as you claim. May 30At the recent Everybody's Bazaar, sponsored by The Spokesman-Review, Alexandra Davis was packing a bargain. Davis, who has a space at Main Street Antiques in Spokane, was shopping for resale when she spotted the vintage valise. Local treasure hunters, who braved last weekend's cloudy skies and intermittent showers to make the scenic drive through the rolling fields of the Palouse for the spring Farm Chicks Antique Show in Fairfield, got more than antiques, good food and live music. Dear Collector, This cookie jar was purchased in Cleveland, Ohio for $2.50 in 1946. What would it be worth? Your anecdotal timeline is right for this circa 1940s piece from Shawnee Pottery (supposedly named because of an Indian arrowhead found on their site during construction). May 23Dear Collector, This piece was my grandmother's, who was born in Scotland. Marks on the bottom are difficult to read: "A?M?" and "SM & Sons." I would appreciate any information you can give me, including value. It doesn't take much to make history come alive. A photograph, the sound of a tinny voice on an old record or the ruffles and tucks in an article of vintage clothing can take us back to another time and place. May 16Who could resist "Molly, Pete, and Ginger," the tumbling playmates who fill the pages of a 1940s school book? Kate Wieber couldn't. Wieber picked up the book while shopping at the recent Spokesman-Review's "Everybody's Bazaar" sale. Dear Collector, I received this "Captain Midnight Secret Squadron" decoder when I was a kid. Can you tell me the year it was issued and present value? Growing up, I spent a lot of time in my grandparents' home. It was a wonderful place to be. After dinner, when the day and the dishes were done, my grandparents each had their own way to unwind and relax. May 9Dear Collector, My dad bought this plate home from Germany around 1945. He loved it; I'll never forget the smile on his face when he first showed it to us. When Terry Munter looks around at the hundreds of recycled greeting cards, each ornamented with a pair of vintage earrings, a string of chunky beads or a bangle bracelet, she shrugs and laughs. May 2Last week I joined my daughter in an auditorium at Gonzaga University. We were there for a lecture by Kent Severson, an archaeologist who specializes in conserving ancient artifacts. Other shoppers walked right by the vintage lemonade crock sitting on a vendor's table at the spring "Everybody's Bazaar" at the Warehouse Sports Facility in Spokane earlier this month. April 25When Theresa Meyer read a recent Treasure Hunt column about decorating with vintage maps, she wrote Home with a story of her own. Meyer, who is the assistant principal at Lewis and Clark High School, rescued a vintage map that used to hang in her classroom. This weekend brings antiques and collectibles to the fairgrounds when Custer's 31st annual Spring Antique and Collectors Sale takes over the Spokane Fair and Expo Center. April 18It doesn't always take a lot of money to find a treasure. But it does take a good eye. Alice Rhoads has a good eye. It doesn't matter if we sit down to three square meals a day, or just grab what we can and eat on the go. There are certain basic tools we just can't do without. Dear Collector,Enclosed find picture of a Mae Starr doll which I received for Christmas in 1933. She has a wind-up mechanism in her back that plays cylinder-type records. April 11It's finally here. Springtime's warmer weather and longer days usually herald the beginning of the best hunting season for antiques, collectibles and all-around good finds. Dear Collector, My mother's aunt passed this Ansco Rediflex camera outfit to me. Could you tell me its worth? While it is highly unusual to see a 1950s outfit in near mint condition, it doesn't mean that your twin lens Rediflex is a rarity. April 4Last weekend's Appraisal Days at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture was a big success. People carrying heirlooms and garage sale finds streamed in to have their objects appraised. Fine craftsmanship is timeless. Terrie Beaudreau is reminded of this each time she looks at the grandfather clock in her home. The clock was made in the 1930s by her husband's great-grandfather. Dear Collector, Enclosed is a photograph of a Benjamin air pistol that I have had for more than 50 years. What would the value be? March 28One thing I've always admired about quilters and other women who sew, besides their skill, is the way they feel about fabric. Most have a spare room, a cabinet, or at the very least, drawers or boxes stuffed full of lengths of colorful fabrics put aside for the perfect project. Ora Straube loves antiques. She has collected interesting finds for years. Recently, one of her favorite pieces developed its own story. Over the last few years, the image of a Norman cross has appeared on a large framed mirror. Dear Collector, I am sending you a photo of my Dad's Root Beer sign which has been in the family for many years. I'd say it's in quite good condition. March 21Every week someone calls or writes to ask me the value of something. But I'm not an appraiser. I know what I like, and where to start looking for more information, but I'm not an expert. Dear Collector,I found this thing 40 years ago. Someone told me it was used to clean horse hooves; could that be right? This old fashioned farrier's implement is called a "butteris" a word which has its basis in buttress, meaning to push. March 14I spotted it from all the way across the store. The big relief map of North America, Canada and Mexico was leaning against the wall surrounded by golf clubs and tennis rackets. Dear Collector,I inherited this Booth's Silicon China plate (one of a pair) 35 years ago. Can you please give me some information about them and their value? Anita Kelsey describes herself as an avid "garage sale and estate sale lady." She hits a sale whenever she can. "I can smell the sale miles away," she says. March 7When Christina Marino's parents were married in 1939 they were given a large ceramic pitcher and a set of four juice glasses. After her parents' deaths, the set, which was made by Bern Potteries in Czechoslovakia, was inherited by Marino's sister. The idea of collecting just for the sake of collecting is a relatively new one. Before the Victorian "age of excess," unless you were very wealthy, you didn't amass a lot. February 28Sometime, possibly more than 100 years ago, a young woman in the Flathead Tribe slipped the beautifully beaded dress over her head and was married. Coffee is chic. Neighborhood coffee shops have evolved into trendy bistros, complete with plush furniture and fine art on the walls. After your gourmet latte arrives, you can settle into a leather armchair and listen to the jazzy CD or a local band. February 21An old painting, burnished with the patina of age, can be especially beautiful to someone who loves old things. And vintage art, especially amateur art, is highly collectible. Dear Collector, We found this foreign currency among my uncle's belongings after his demise. He was a merchant sailor for almost 50 years, and traveled all over the world. February 14A Valentine is a permanent reminder of a tender thought. A pretty card ornamented with flowery words, romantic images such as roses, cupids and red hearts given to the one you love. When Christina Ashburn of Spokane goes to the flea market, she heads straight for the silver. Ashburn looks for vintage silver plate pieces to add to her collection. Dear Collector,I would like to know if this "Made in Germany, 151" doll has any value. She's in good condition. The three digits represent the number of the mold used in manufacturing the doll's bisque head. February 9One night last week, after work and a late dinner, I poured a cup of tea and settled down for a little quiet time. Curled up on the sofa in my living room, a cat in my lap immediately, I could hear the sound of rain dripping on the roof and even with a blanket tucked around me, the room felt damp and chilly. Dear Collector,Enclosed are photos of a covered china bowl that belonged to my grandmother and was passed onto my father at her death around 50 years ago. February 2You never know what you'll find when you're antiquing. Linda Key spotted a pair of vintage wood ski poles at the recent flea market in Spokane. Dear Collector, Could you please give me an approximate value on my teapot? It was purchased by my grandfather in the 1950s or earlier. The damp, cold, winter weather outdoors is a good reason for adding an extra layer of linens to the bed. That lighter-than-air down comforter may keep you snug, but nothing beats a vintage wool blanket for making your nest warm and cozy. "The Antiques Roadshow" won't make it to Spokane, in fact they aren't even coming to this part of the country, but we do have a great local opportunity to learn more about our treasures. January 26Spokane resident Don Barlow is proud of his Native American heritage. He is also a lover of antiques. Barlow's collections include a number of fine early pieces of furniture from Pennsylvania and other parts of the Northeast. Dear Collector,My friend has had this cigarette lighter for many years and would like to know its origins. The only marking I can find on it is the word, "Reims. The next time you see a faded sepia-toned photograph or portrait, stop for a moment and take a closer look. There is a formality, even a solemnity in these formal portraits you don't often see with modern photographs. January 19We spotted Socorro Erickson, pulling a little shopping basket on wheels behind her, at the December Flea Market in Spokane. Socorro, who describes herself as a "junker," proudly showed us her newest treasures. Enclosed are photos of a No. 2 Universal Food Chopper that was my mother's; it was made by Landers, Frary and Clark of New Britain, Conn. When you start talking about kitchen collectibles, everyone has their own favorite. Some collectors search high and low for kitschy 1950s juice glasses, the kind that are printed with flowers and cartoon animals in red, green or brown designs. January 12Look out the window. Chances are you'll see a cloudy, wintry sky. The trees, except the indigenous evergreen pines, are stark and leafless. Dear Collector,My aunt gave me this unusual lighthouse clock made by United Clock of Brooklyn. It runs great; what is it worth? This 1950s motion clock with lighted revolving base was probably cast from "pot metal," an alloy consisting of tin, lead, and antimony or copper. "The Antiques Roadshow" may not make it to Spokane, but we do have a great opportunity to learn more about antiques. Antique Appraisal Days at the MAC will be March 24 and 25 at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, 2316 W. First Ave. January 5Growing up on a farm near what is now Grand Coulee Dam, and later in Northport, Wash., Wes Lael was the kind of brother anyone would love to have. Since 1996 people have been digging through dusty boxes and musty trunks in the attic. They've looked closely at items for sale at the auction, and waited in line at the neighborhood estate sale. Dear Collector,We've had these Roseville pieces for years; what are they now worth? All your 1940s era art pottery is in the White Rose design, which was available in three background colors: blue, pink/green and brown/green. Looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon? There will be estate auctions Sunday and Jan. 22 at Owens Auction Gallery, 14208 E. Sprague Ave. If you have Barbie dolls, G.I. Joes or maybe an American Flyer train set hidden in the attic, dig them out. December 29Judy Porter brought home a barrel full of treasures. When she walked into a jewelry store in Tacoma several years ago, Porter noticed a couple of place settings of old brown and white transferware displayed on a table. Uh, oh. A quick look at the calendar is all it takes to tell me the bad news. I didn't get my cards out in time. Dear Collector, My grandfather had this doll in his grocery store during the 1930s and '40s. The pants and cap are original but the shirt is not, and the fingers on his left hand are gone. December 22Two weeks ago I claimed a few hours for myself and spent them doing something I always enjoy, strolling through the flea market. As I looked through a stack of vintage linens at one dealer's space I noticed three plastic Christmas ornaments from the 1940s or '50s on the table beside me a trio of silvery camels carrying the three wise men. Dear Collector: This Oliver No. 9 typewriter was headed for the trash, but it was rescued. Any ideas about it and its worth? Oliver made 500,000 units of this model between 1915 and 1922. December 15Jeanette Ide keeps a treasure on the mantle in her living room. The framed collage of brooches, bracelets, pins and earrings - arranged in the shape of a topiary is a sparkling reminder of a loved one. So, you've pulled out your best holiday sweater, you're wearing tinsel earrings and snowman socks are keeping your toes nice and toasty in your fur-lined boots. Dear Collector, I would like to ask about this old Royal Bone China cup and saucer that is stamped "Est. $ 1846." I believe my brother-in-law bought them in Europe while he was serving in WWII. December 8When Suzi Hokonson, a self-described lover of textiles, makes herself think about what she would choose if she could only take one thing as she left her home, she mulls over the pieces that hang on the walls of her home. Dear Collector,The gun pictured is a . 38 caliber Colt revolver referred to as the "Lightning"; said to be the type of pistol carried by "Billy the Kid. By now you've probably picked up a couple of rolls of wrapping paper, clear tape and a package or two of pre-made bows from the discount store. December 1Tricia Oster, of Colbert, is new to the world of antiques and collectibles, but she's quickly getting the hang of it. "I've just been buying things for about a year, since we built our new house," she said. Christmas decorations, like everything else, go in and out of style. But the nostalgia associated with those decorations, especially the things we remember and associate with happy Christmases past, never fades. Dear Collector,I believe my mother sent off for this Cream of Wheat doll in the 1940s; what is he worth? Rastus (from the Latin name Erastus meaning beloved) first became the symbol for this cereal in the 1890s, and may have been based on an actual restaurant chef. November 23When Gene Bronson was a small child he used to sit on one of his mother's Oriental rugs and pretend that he was flying on a magic carpet. Dear Collector,I remember when I was a child, my grandmother would take me to the movies where they gave out dishes. Enclosed is a photo of a saucer, part of a set that I had stored in the attic since 1962. The serving tray is a symbol of hospitality. Almost anything - sparkling crystal, an assortment of elegant appetizers or a selection of rich desserts looks more inviting when it is arranged on a tray. November 17Jerel Rowe, Newman Lake, picked up this $45 vintage baby scale at the Farm Chicks sale in Fairfield this fall. Rowe collects scales and displays his collection in his kitchen. The world is a more casual place that it was just a few decades ago. Perhaps that's why some of us find vintage etiquette books so appealing. Dear Collector,Please find photos of Hubley Pirate Pistol and box which were in a drawer for about 50 years; I would appreciate your evaluation of them. November 10When I was a little girl there was something alluring and mysterious about my grandmother's dressing table. She was a practical woman who, now that I think about it, must have worked from sunrise to sunset caring for her family. Thomas Mackey, TSgt USAF Retired, collects Air Police, Security Police and Security Forces memorabilia. During his 20-year career as an Air Force law enforcement specialist, Mckay amassed an extensive collection of armbands, uniforms, badges and other specialized items. Dear Collector,I would like to know the value of the enclosed; it was my mother's and must be 65 years old. Inscription on bottom reads: "Roseville, USA, 657-6." November 3Lois Bender has a national treasure. Bender owns the Civil War-era flag that was brought home from the war by her great-grandfather, Edward Waldo Jones. Dear Collector: Could you please give me some idea what this original 1955 pennant may be worth? In 1955, the Dodgers won the Series against their American League arch-rivals, the Yankees. Treasure hunting isn't always about bringing home the bargain. Sometimes, the fun is in the pleasure of looking at a wonderful old something with an appreciative eye, knowing you could never buy it, but loving it anyway. October 27In 1939, just before he joined the Canadian Royal Air Force and later WW II, Peter Aldous built a large scale-model of the sailing ship "Christine. Things have certainly changed. Not too many years ago, Halloween was little more than an evening's activity for children that ended with a bag or pillowcase full of candy to be hoarded and rationed for a week or two. Dear Collector,What is the value of this figurine which sits on the edge of a shelf? It has "Trixie" and "11-1-51" on the bottom. For Thursday, October 27, 2005. October 20Collectors fascinate me in many ways. I was around when the Beanie Babies hit and I saw grown men and women attack "new shipments" like pigeons descending on stale bread. Marlene Davis of Rathdrum has a little treasure made from a treasure-trove of Swedish coins. The small ornamental boat was made by her grandfather, Emil Johnson, a Swedish emigrant who was both a coin-collector and silversmith. Dear Collector, I remember my grandfather using this wind-up turkey to amuse us kids in the late 1950s. It walks and the neck moves, but the gobble doesn't work anymore. A locket, the tiny pendant meant to hold one or more photographs, is more than just a frame for a treasured image. It can also be a symbol of mystery and romance. We're putting together a list of reader-favorite antiquing spots. Drop us a line, or make a phone call to tell me where you like to shop for antiques and collectibles. October 13In 1998 Dolores Grim purchased a cream and sugar set from Eldridge Antiques in Spokane. The heavy glass pieces, in the "moon and stars" pattern, were just what she was looking for. Your old vinyl record albums aren't worth a thing. Neither are your royal commemorative teapots, your Kodak Brownie camera nor any of your homemade arts and crafts. Dear Collector, This Orange Julius figure was given to me about 40 years ago. Most of the paint was gone, so I painted it. With three daughters, it isn't unusual for me to walk into my room to find a girl in my closet. For Thursday, October 13, 2005. October 6Scot Stout loves the past, especially anything to do with his family's history. Stout is the family genealogist and archivist, caring for heirlooms and treasures that go back generations. This morning, when I dressed for work, my eyes and fingers moved down the rack in my closet. I skimmed over the skirts, blouses and sweaters hanging there before I pulled out a sweater and slipped it on. WASHINGTON At their best, the decorative arts preserve history in fine lines, elegant form and intimate scale. Those attributes describe the modern silver that goes on view this week at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington. September 29A gallery of albums from a time when photographs were unique and treasured family possessions looks down from the walls in Mary Ann Sanger's Spokane home. Dear Collector,Can you identify this device marked DeBoer Mfg. , Co. , Pat'd 5-2-1911? I found it in the attic of our house. This square wooden frame with connecting rods tightened by a turnbuckle was once used by furniture retailers to display a bed's headboard/footboard. John Overend was skeptical when his wife, Barrie, mentioned that their family might be on a new reality show on the Home & Garden Television Network. Displayed on my desk is a postcard sent to me this summer by my daughter who was visiting friends on the North Carolina coast. On hectic days, when it begins to feel as though I have bees in my head and I can't think straight, I'll focus on the card. September 22Those Victorians had a dish for everything. A plate full of celery just wouldn't do. When the mother of the woman who would become Wallace Libby's stepmother married in 1890, one of her wedding gifts was a beautiful "celery dish. | 