By TINA SUTHERLAND and CHARLIE BAILEY

Dear What's It Worth?

This cookie cutter looks like Minnie Mouse to me because of the dress. It's four inches high. Are cookie cutters collected?

Answer:

Cookie cutters are a great thing to collect. There are a gazillion kinds to find and you can follow any theme. But old Disney cutters are not common and there are lots of Disney collectors out there too, so your cute little Minnie should bring $25 or more.

Dear What's It Worth?

I always thought this ashtray was pretty, but since nobody smokes at my house anymore I'm ready to get rid of it. It is about seven inches across, made of metal and says "SASCHAB" on the front. What's it worth?

Answer:

You have a nice enameled piece from the studio of Sascha Brastoff. He was a noted Californian designer who started in the 1940s and continued till he died in 1993. Your ashtray is signed with "Sascha B," which means it was produced under his supervision (his own pieces have his full signature). His own items are worth big bucks, but even your ashtray should bring $35.

Dear What's It Worth?

In the Christmas boxes I came across some of these paper bowls. They say "Made in Germany," but there isn't a date. My friend said to ask you about them.

Answer:

We remember these bowls ... they held cookies and other edibles, so it's a surprise to find them in good condition. Christmas collectors love old paper goods and some of the nicest came from Germany. These should sell for about $10 each, but if you choose to bribe us with Christmas cookies we'll tell you anything.

Dear What's It Worth?

I have this child's "Empire" stove that's only 13 inches high. The great thing about it is that it works. The light on top is red and the oven and burners really do heat up. What would it sell for?

Answer:

You just know this was some little girl's favorite Christmas present. And she probably made her long-suffering brother eat whatever she cooked. (Don't ask how we know that part.) It looks played with, but that just means it's had a life. We can think of other girls who would love to get this under the tree. Santa should plan on spending $75.

Dear What's It Worth?

My cousin found this at a garage sale 10 years ago. It's marked 1970 "Progressive Art Products" and is 16 inches tall. A friend told her it was worth $200 as a collectible. Any idea of value?

Answer:

Hmmm ... we think you should go back to that friend and get that $200. b