Q: My parents gave away all my toys when I went to college. One toy I can’t forget was a Fisher-Price Tick Tock clock. I finally found one recently at an antique mall. I paid $8 for it, even though the music mechanism seems damaged. Is it a good price?
A: Sorry your parents threw away your toys. I hear a lot about collectors wanting to recapture a piece of their childhood, even if it’s through items from antique stores. Your Fisher-Price Tick Tock teaching clock was very popular, introduced in the early 1960s. The most popular models, with slight visual differences, were released in 1962 and 1964. It is colorful, with stickers and a dial with big numbers and arms. Night and day images are revealed as the arms move. When wound up, it plays the song “Grandfather’s Clock” and has a metronome sound in the background. You have a good deal! Most of these clocks sell online for up to $60, depending on the state. They are still made and sold.
Q: I have a collection of Pfaltzgraff Village stoneware from the 1970s and am looking to replace a few pieces. Some have the castle stamp, some have a different stamp with a small circle at the top and “USA”, and some have no stamp at all. I’m trying to find the date and value of these coins. Can you give me any information or resources that might help me find this?
A: Pfaltzgraff was created by members of the Pfaltzgraff family in 1811 and is the oldest pottery in the United States. Stoneware pots, jugs, flower pots and utility jars were first made. Different members of the family started their own pottery. Brothers Henry B. and George B. Pfaltzgraff started their business in York County, Pennsylvania in 1889. It became the Pfaltzgraff Stoneware Company in 1894. The name changed to the Pfaltzgraff Pottery Co. in 1906. It has was changed to Pfaltzgraff Co. in 1964. Tableware was first made in the 1950s. The “Village” design was made in the USA from 1976. It was made in China from 2007 and is no longer manufactured in the United States. Pfaltzgraff used a variety of marks, both stamped and engraved. If you want to replace missing parts, several replacement sites are listed at “Popular apps and websites to buy or sell collectibles, household items, and more.” on Kovels.com.
Q: I have an original Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer Ted Williams beer mug. He was known in baseball as “The Splendid Sprinter”. All of his stats are printed at the bottom. Can you tell me how much it’s worth?
A: Ted Williams was one of baseball’s greatest players. His likeness and stats have been imprinted on many types of collectibles, including root beer bottles. Baseball player images and logos are easily reproduced. Beware of counterfeits which may look as good as the originals. A tankard similar to yours with a certificate of authenticity recently sold for $20.
Q: I discovered a green glass vase with a Rosenthal mark and signed Tapio Wirkkala. I did some research and found it was vase no. 2512, a 1963 design. It stands 5 1/2 inches tall. Can you give me more information and an idea of value?
A: Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) was a Finnish designer of glassware, silver, ceramics, wooden ware, furniture, jewelry, textiles and more. He designed for several companies and opened his own studio in 1955. Wirkkala designed tableware for Rosenthal from 1956 to 1985 and glassware from 1963 to 1981. At least 18 different glassware was made. The 2512 vase was produced in two sizes. Wirkkala vases have sold for just over $100 to over $1,000. A 12 3/4 inch vase sold at auction recently for around $125 and a 17 1/2 inch vase for around $325.
TIP: If you have an old carving set and the steel sharpener is stained, don’t worry. It will still work and you can safely use it with knives that touch food.