Friday, December 16, 2005

Treasures & Trends: Check a price guide before selling Fiesta Ware collection

LARRY COX

Tucson Citizen

Question: Earlier this year, my mother gave me several dozen pieces of Fiesta Ware that she used during the 1940s. In addition to plates, cups and saucers, I have two covered bowls, a pitcher, sugar and creamer, and three mixing bowls of various sizes. Most of the pieces are either red, green or yellow. I have a neighbor who has offered me $150 for my collection and even though I'm tempted, it seems a little low. What is your opinion? - Heather, Tucson

Answer: Before I answer your question, let me provide a little historical background about this extremely popular china.

The Homer Laughlin China Co. was founded in 1873 by Homer and his brother, Shakespeare, as Ohio Valley Pottery near East Liverpool, Ohio. In 1907 and under new ownership, the plant moved across the Ohio River to Newell, W. Va. In 1927, the company hired designer Frederick Hurten Rhead, and he developed the designs and colors for what would become the Fiesta line. In 1936, the first pieces were introduced and available in five colors: cobalt blue, green, ivory, red and yellow. According to collectors, a later issued color, medium green, is the hardest to find and generally more expensive.

One of the better reference books is Warman's Fiesta Ware: Identification & Price Guide by Mark F. Moran (KP Books, $24.99). This splashy guide features more than 500 colors of Fiesta china with current prices for each item. Each piece is labeled with the degree of difficulty to find which includes both vintage and post-1986 issues.

How much is your Fiesta worth? You mentioned that your collection included three mixing bowls. According to Warman's guide, mixing bowls in the original basic colors are worth between $300 and $375 each. Do the math. Before you sell your Fiesta Ware to anyone, do your homework and be an intelligent consumer.

Q: I have a box of unopened Cracker Jack that was originally purchased by an uncle during the 1940s. Is it worth anything? - Ted, Tucson

A: To find out how much your unopened popcorn is worth, you need to contact an expert. I suggest you begin your search by contacting Ron Toth, 72 Charles St., Rochester, NH 03867. He collects Cracker Jack memorabilia and is considered both a historian and expert in the field. Another excellent source is the Cracker Jack Collectors Association, 5469 S. Dorchester Ave., Chicago, IL 60615.

Q: I have a photo that was autographed by both Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. How much can I get for it? - Steve, Tucson

A: Nancy Horsley is executive secretary of the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Collectors Association, and she might be able to help you. Her address is P.O. Box 1166, Portsmouth, OH 45662.

Q: I have a mustard seed in a crystal that has been made into a charm bracelet. It originally belonged to my mom and I have often wondered how much it is worth. - Connie, Tucson

A: The Mount Horeb Mustard Museum has more than 3,000 mustard-related artifacts on display in its collection. You might want to contact the curator, Barry Levinson, to see if he has an opinion. The address is 109 E. Main St., P.O. Box 468, Mount Horeb, WI 53572.

Q: I have four knife rests that are from the Victorian-era. Who can I contact to find out more about them? - Cyndi, Tucson

A: Dean Rockwell is president of the Knife Rest Collectors Society, P.O. Box 97033, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Beverly Schell Ales is a serious collector. Her address is 4046 Graham St., Pleasanton, CA 94566.

Q: I have a large collection of Barbie dolls. Is there a professional appraiser who can help me determine values? - Sue, Tucson

A: Annette Givens is an appraiser who specializes in Barbie dolls and accessories. Her address is 1958 Matador Way, Northridge, CA 91330.

Do you have questions about your antiques or collectibles? Larry Cox has the answers. E-mail him at larrycox@tucsoncitizen.com