By TINA SUTHERLAND and CHARLIE BAILEY

Dear What's It Worth,

I bought this at a garage sale. I liked the art work and it's in good shape. It is dated 1924 and published by M.A. Donohue & Company. How can I find out what it's worth?

Answer:

You can start here. Raggedy Ann and Andy are so loved and these books have the charming Johnny Gruelle illustrations too. Besides, who can resist reading about the Camel with the Wrinkled Knees? This edition has a price range from $80 to $300, depending on condition. Condition is SO important with books. Have a book knowledgeable person look at your copy. They will be able to give you a closer idea of value, but with any book the real value is in the reading. You should read this and share it with the nearest kid.

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Dear What's It Worth,

In an old tool box we found this "Eveready Ammeter No. 1002.M" It seems to measure Volts from 0-10 and Amperes from 0-35. It says "New York and Pat. Aug 9, 1910" The red cord thing plugs into the top but then what? Since it's so old could it be worth something?

Answer:

Well, you might think you can stump asking the Charlie Finds gals about things found in old tool boxes, but this time we are up to it. We asked around and think this was used to test car batteries. Others that we found for sale were about $20. We don't recommend doing anything at all with that red cord.

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Dear What's It Worth,

I found this Century 21 mug in Mom's house. Is it worth anything?

Answer:

These are so hip. It's especially fun to collect stuff that hits close to home and what could be better than the Seattle Worlds Fair? Some of us remember being there, others of you can only wish. But 1962 was awhile ago and the things from the fair are getting collected today in a frenzy. This restaurant ware cup usually has the saucer and goes for about $24 for a set. Because you only have the cup expect $12-$15.

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Dear What's It Worth,

This lamp was my grandmothers and she always liked it, she had many Hummel figurines. We don't know what happened to the shade. It does work and has the Hummel name on the back with a blue letter "V" and "W. Germany" below. The ceramic part stands about 7-1/2 inches high. Does it have any value other than sentimental?

Answer:

Lucky you! Grandma kept a very nice M.I. Hummel piece. All of these figurines have gone up in price but the lamps are especially nice to find. This mold is called "Just Resting" and was only made for a short time in the '50s. A mint condition one should bring in the range of $400.

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Dear What's It Worth,

I have a strange little garbage can that is only 3-1/2 inches high. It's too big for a doll house, what was it for?

Answer:

This is a Salesman's Sample. These would have been produced to be carried around in a suitcase and used to promote sales of real garbage cans. It was much easier to carry one of these around. This one is really interesting because it says that "Northwest Metal Products Co." was in Kent, Wash. We couldn't track them down, but the local interest should bump the price of this to about $20.

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Dear What's It Worth,

I've had some little fish a long time. I've included a picture of the mark on the bottom. They are each 9 inches long and have very pretty colors. Can you give me a value?

Answer:

These graceful fish are bone china made by the Noritake Company. The backstamp picture is helpful because Noritake had some 249 backstamps. This one was in use from 1945-1952. The fish in mint condition should bring $75 each.