Friday, March 10, 2006

Treasures and Trends: JFK ad, stories out of Dallas boost collection's value

LARRY COX

Tucson Citizen

Question: During the autumn of 1963, I was a young grammar school teacher in Dallas. I was in the city the terrible week that John Kennedy was assassinated and kept most of the newspapers from that period. I have the Nov. 22, 1963, edition of the Dallas Morning News with the headline "Controversy Swirls Around Kennedy on Visit" and the infamous full-page ad "Welcome to Dallas, Mr. Kennedy," which was placed by the right wing hate group, the so-called American Fact-Finding Committee. I have one of the first Dallas Morning News extras published Nov. 23, 1963, "Kennedy Slain on Dallas Street," and the Dallas Times Herald from two days later reporting JFK's funeral, and the Nov. 25, 1963, edition of the Dallas Morning News reporting the shooting of (alleged shooter Lee Harvey) Oswald. Do you think these papers have any value other than keepsakes from a terrible, painful period in our history? - Lou Ann, Tucson

Answer: Generally speaking, most newspapers with headlines and stories about Kennedy's assassination are fairly common and worth only $10 or $15 each. The exceptions are, of course, the editions of the New York Times and the publications from Dallas where the event occurred. What makes your collection especially attractive is the fact that you have several editions covering all of the major events. The Nov. 22, 1963, edition of the Dallas Morning News with the ad is especially scarce because most readers had tossed it by the time Kennedy actually arrived in Dallas.

Three vintage newspaper dealers I recommend are Timothy Hughes, P.O. Box 3636, Williamsport, PA 17701; Phil Barber, PO Box 8694, Boston, MA 02114; and Rick Brown, 6031 Winterset, Lansing, MI 48911.

Q: I purchased an old map at an estate sale that could be quite valuable. It shows California as an island and most of North America as being unexplored and unsettled. Who can I contact to determine exactly what I have and how much it might be worth? - Terry, Tucson

A: One of the better groups is the Chicago Map Society, The Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., Chicago, IL 60610. Jon Rosenthal is an established dealer and might also be willing to help you. His address is P.O. Box 12, Amherst, MA 01004.

Q: I have a watercolor by Jaume Plensa. Who can I contact in Tucson to have it appraised? - Maria, Tucson

A: According to Hislop's Official International Price Guide to Fine Art, most watercolors by the Spanish artist Plensa (1955-present) sell in the $1,000 to $5,000 range with, of course, exceptions. To find out the value of your painting, I suggest you contact Wayne Kielsmeier, owner of Covington Art Gallery. He is one of the region's art experts and can help you. His address, e-mail and telephone number are 6530 E. Tanque Verde Road, Suite No. 140, artdlr@attglobal.net, and 298-7878.

Q: I have three older saddles, a couple of bridles, and various other tack. I would like to sell it and don't know what to do. - Stuart, Tucson

A: I suggest you mosey over to the Country Emporium, 431 N. Dodge Blvd., and corral owner Paul Walker. (Or phone him at 327-7765.) Walker, who has bought and sold tack and cowboy memorabilia for several years, is both knowledgeable and reputable.

Q: Where can I find an expert to authenticate a series of Edward Curtis images that I have inherited? - Mickey, Tucson

A: The Etherton Gallery in Tucson is one of the better sources in our region for vintage images of the American Southwest. The main gallery is downtown, at 135 S. Sixth Ave.

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