Question: I have an old Buckeye root beer dispenser that was used years ago in a drug store on Putnam Street in Marietta. What would this item be worth to a collector? - B.W., Marietta.
Answer: Buckeye root beer dispensers have sold as high as $2,750 up to $4,700 in the last couple years at auctions around the country. These dispensers were given mostly to drug store owners who purchase a supply of soda syrup.
Q.: Can you tell me anything about my "Hull" tea set? - G.E., Marietta.
A.: Your tea set came from a line of art ware called, "Blossom Flite," produced in 1955-1956 by Hull Pottery who operated in Crooksville, Ohio, from 1905 up until 1986. The company was best known for its "Little Red Riding Hood" kitchenware, including cookie jars, and salt and pepper shakers. Your tea set is valued at $200 to $250 to a Hull collector in good condition.
Q.: My father has a toy cap pistol called "Stevens 49er," in its original box. The cylinder revolves when the trigger is pulled. It's marked J&E Stevens Company. Can you tell me what it is worth? - T.R., Vincent.
A.: J&E Stevens Company was founded in Cromwell, Connecticut, in 1843. The company was best known for its mechanical banks, but it also made cast iron toys. Firecracker pistols were first made in 1859, and by 1928, were the only toys the company made. The company closed during World War II because iron was scarce. After the war, Stevens made die-cast cap guns, such as yours. The company was sold in 1950. Your cap gun, in its original box, is worth $300 to $350 to a toy collector.
Q.: I have a Jacqueline Kennedy head flower vase made by Inarco. Can you tell me anything about the vase and what it is worth to a collector today? - S.W., Parkersburg.
A.: Inarco was the name used by the International Artware Corporation founded in 1960 in Cleveland, Ohio. The company was bought by Napco, a Japanese giftware distributor, in 1986, and moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Napco is still in business and lists itself today as an importer and distributor of products for the floral, gift and decorative accessories industries. Your 1964 vase has sold as high as $985 at auction. Prices have went down on some of these vases.
Q.: I have several 10 1/2 inch plates made by Harmony House. Can you tell me if they are worth anything to a collector? - A. K., Mineral Wells, W.Va.
A.: Harmony House "Bells of Iceland" pattern dinnerware was made exclusively for Sears Roebuck & company from 1953 through the 1960s. Produced by Plastic Master's of New Buffalo, Michigan, the dinnerware was a solid color and decal-decorated. The replacement value on each plate today is $15 each.
Q.: When the "Fat Boy" Restaurant in Parkersburg went out of business years ago, they gave me a 5 1/2 foot wooden sign with the Fat Boy logo on it. Can you tell me what it is worth today? - D.W., Vienna, W.Va.
A.: In 2006, one of these wooden signs sold at auction for $320. The Fat Boy in Parkersburg sure brings back memories. I remember when I was about 16 years old working there.
Larry Koon's column appears every Monday on Life. Send letters to Treasure in the Attic, c/o The Marietta Times, 700 Channel Lane, Marietta 45750; or e-mail koonantiques@yahoo.com.
When writing, send a complete description of the item, along with size, color, any markings on the item along with condition the item is in, and how the item was obtained, and any other information. If possible, send a photograph. Letters will be answered through this column.
