Question: I purchased a 13-inch doll from McLeish Auction Service in Marietta for $4. The doll's back is stamped, "An original Kingdom Doll," No. 0207796, "Baby Rosebud" sculpted and handcrafted by Lee Middleton, 411 S. Wheaton, Wheaton, Illinois, 60187. There is a tag on her arm No. KDO-020779-6, Lee Middleton 1979. Oriental head, No. 6 of a limited edition of only 12. My question: Is this an early doll of Lee Middleton? Did she make dolls in Illinois prior to coming to this area? What would you estimate the doll to be worth? - K.S., Marietta.
Answer: When interviewing Lee Middleton right before her death in 1997, to write a "Price Guide To Lee Middleton Dolls," Lee told me she started out making dolls at her kitchen table in the late 1970s in Wheaton. Illinois. What started out as a hobby eventually evolved into a doll making career. With her then husband, Lloyd Middleton, they formed Kingdom Doll Originals. Eventually the "kitchen table assembly line" was later replaced by headquarters in the old Tri-County Bank Building in Coolville, before moving to Belpre. If the doll is in good condition it would be worth around $350 to $400 to a Lee Middleton doll collector.
Q.: I recently purchased a child's wooden wagon at an estate sale in Marietta. It is marked, "White Coaster Wagon." Can you tell me how old the wagon is and what it's worth? - C.J., Barlow.
A.: White Wagon Works started out in Sheboygan Falls, Wis., in 1901, making wooden wagons for children. In 1924, the company became known as The White Coaster Wagon Works. The company went out of business in 1938. Your wagon, made somewhere between 1924 and 1938, would sell for $200 to $300, if in good condition.
Auction prices
realized
Hutch soda bottle, Parkersburg, $310.
Half pint milk bottle, Broughtons Dairy, $32.50.
Parkersburg Creamery Dairy bottle, $36.
Mecca Restaurant matchbox, $3.
1941 Marietta telephone directory, $16.
Becky Thatcher Showboat "Cats Meow," $11.
1912 postcard, "Birds Eye View of Marietta," $8.50.
1898 letterhead Oil Well Supply Company, Marietta, $5.
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.
