1940s figurine lacks market value

Glenn Erardi   /  The Collector™

At 60 years old, this piece is worth only about $20.

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?

Commonly called a "Gone with the Wind," for its resemblance to the book's heroine (Scarlett O'Hara Hamilton Kennedy Butler), this figurine was made between 1941 and 1947 by Goldscheider of Trenton, N.J., a branch of the famous Viennese pottery that had relocated to the U.S. Some pieces are even marked with other characters' names: Melanie, Rhett, etc. Now that we know your keepsake is not as old as you thought, you may be further disappointed when I tell you it's only worth $15 to $20.

Dear Collector,

Can you tell me anything about this Japanese scroll?

You have stronger faith in my acquaintance with the arcane than I have. I do know the ink strokes on your wall hanging are Chinese (I asked around) and describe the trio of pine, bamboo and plum, which stand for friendship. What I do not know is its age or value. For that, you'll have to find someone who is more familiar with the subject.

Dear Collector,

This extraordinary metal ashtray came into my family during the 1940s. Supported on the outstretched arms of two nude women, the bowl holds a glass insert, though it appears from its odd color this glass may have been added at a later time. "LVA" is the only mark you can see, it's right near one of the girls' feet. How old is this?

Louis V. Aronson (Ronson) founded The Art Metal Works to produce functional table art: ashtrays clocks, lamps, candlesticks, etc. Your circa 1930s ashtray was painted to mimic a patina of verdigris. Even with an inappropriate replacement, it's still worth over $200.

Dear Collector,

Are these two grape Nehi soda bottle caps worth anything?

Probably dating from the 1950s, I noticed that the cork seals on the inside are missing. Does anyone remember wearing bottle caps on their shirts or hats? That may be why the corks are gone. Anyway, I wish I had a grape Nehi right now; it was sure a thirst-quencher. See how many memories your bottle caps are worth. Much more valuable than money.

Dear Collector,

What do you think this 1924 sheet music for "The Pal that I Loved Stole the Gal that I Loved" could be worth?

Several dozen are now being offered on eBay, the Internet auction site. Averaging about $3 apiece, they are a steal.

Dear Collector,

Does this picture of Ronald Reagan have any value?

What you have is an advertising page torn from a magazine. Promoting Chesterfield cigarettes, this circa 1951 ad mentions Reagan's then current movie release: "Hong Kong." Matted and framed this memento measures up to about $25.