Letters from readers:
Question: I'm seeking information on a couple of original oil paintings that I own. One is by artist Rolla Taylor, and the other one is by the sisters of IHM. Any information would be appreciated. - J.G., Marietta.
Answer: Rolla Sims Taylor was from Galveston, Texas. He started painting at the age of 14. Taylor's work is very popular among Texas art collectors. Fine Arts of Texas today is wanting to purchase works by Rolla Sims Taylor. You can give them a call at (210) 408-7778.
The I.H.M. Sisters is a religious group and art center located in Monroe, Mich. I would need to know what sister signed the painting to be able to tell you what the artists' work is selling for today. Much of their artwork has been reproduced,
Q.: Larry, I wrote to you many years ago asking if you knew how I could sell my antique wooden blimp propeller. You sent me some info and with that I was able to make contact with a gentlemen, who then put me in touch with a publication that advertises antique parts for planes. I sold the propeller to a retired Navy pilot living in Texas. Thank you so much. Love your column. - Lorraine Kenny, Marietta.
A.: Thank you so much for writing me. Your letter will go in an album along with others I've helped over the years sell their items.
Q.: I have a 20-piece punch bowl set made by the Smith Glass Co. Can you tell me what it is worth? - B.S., Marietta.
A.: The L.E. Smith Glass Co. of Mount Pleasant, Pa., produced a 20-piece Daisy punch bowl set. One of these sets sold recently on eBay for $70. Your set is worth from $85 up to $100 to a collector.
Q.: I was at an auction in Marietta and purchased a September 1934 telephone directory for Marietta, Constitution, Mile Run, Moss Run, Newport and New Matamoras. The directory is in good condition. What's it worth? - J.H., Marietta.
A.: To a collector, it's worth about $20.
Q.: My wife's family recently inherited 300 vintage comic books. I am currently trying to catalog them by name and issue. Do you know of a dealer or appraiser in the area. What is the best method of selling them? Appreciate your input. - R.F., Marietta.
A.: Contact Heritage Auction House at 1-800-872-6467. They specialize in the sale of comics, or you can log onto their website and get a free appraisal by filling out a form, and a list of your comics. Their website address is HA.com.
Auction prices
- Whiskey bottle, James Clark Distilling, Parkersburg, W.Va., $158.
- Watch Fob C.E. Joy Rental Equipment, Marietta, $20.
- Watch fob Bob Bingler Ford, Marietta, $8.
- Cigar box, wooden, marked C. L. Bailey Grocery, Marietta, $22.50.
- Broughton's pint cottage cheese, glass container, $42.
- Old Whipple Creamery half pint milk bottle, $25.
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 and 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.
