Question: I have an Enterprise No. 2 coffee mill that was once used in Weber's Grocery Store on Third Street in Marietta. The mill is in excellent condition with its original nickel hopper and decals. It's 16 inches high with 8 3/4-inch flywheels. Can you tell me anything about the mill and its value? -T.J., Marietta.
Answer: Enterprise Manufacturing Company was in business in Philadelphia from 1866 to 1955, when it was sold to the Silex company. Its mills, used by clerks in grocery stores well into the 20th century, are among the favorites of collectors. Several different styles were made, including countertop, floor standing, and wall mounted. If the mill has its original parts, paint, and decal, it's worth around $1,100.
Q.: I have a collection of dolls that were bought in Japan. The dolls, even their faces, are made entirely of cloth. From the photos I'm sending, can you tell me anything about the dolls? - H.E., Lower Salem.
A.: During the 1950s to '60s, many Japanese people had cloth dolls dressed in traditional costumes like this displayed in their home. The dolls were also popular among visitors to Japan, who brought them home as souvenirs. Each doll is worth $60 to $100 each.
Q.: Can you tell me anything about a Janssen organo that I purchased at an estate sale in Marietta several years ago? - R.W., Belpre.
A.: Webb Janssen founded the Janssen Piano Company in 1901, in New York City. The company was bought by C.G. Conn in 1964, then it was sold to Charles R. Walter in 1970, and the company name became Walter Piano Company. Pianos were made with the Janssen name up until 1976. The organo was made in the 1950s, which contained radio tubes for the organ controls. It also played as a piano without the tubes. The organo is worth $350 in good condition.
Q.: I have a 6-inch hand-painted Crown Staffordshire pitcher that has a handle that looks like a snake with the head looking down. Can you tell me what it is worth? - B.D., Lowell.
A.: Crown Staffordshire Porcelain Company was founded in Fenton, England, in 1889, and succeeded by the Crown Staffordshire China Company in 1948. Your pitcher was a production piece made in large quantities, valued at about $20.
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Larry Koon is the author of several price guide books on antiques and collectibles. His 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 him at 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.
