Tinware Age Helps Determine Value

Question: I collect an assortment of tinware--things like coffeepots, lunch boxes, trays and the like. What tips can you provide for judging the age of this stuff?--T.C.

Answer: Tinware is fun to collect, most collectors associated with this field say, because of the beauty of the items that can be found and because they can shed some light on a particular period.

Some collectors note that an art technique can provide you with information as to when the piece was produced. For example, Early American tinware--say, a small pot or box--might be decorated freehand; but if it’s lithographed, the collector should note that this technique didn’t come into popular use until the late 19th Century.

Other collectors say they can make educated age judgments through the natural wearing of the tinware item. However, this can be tricky because you may overlook a repair because of the skill of the person who did the mending.

A student of tinware production probably will be able to spot telltale age signs. Modern electroplating processes give tinware a more uniform shape than a handmade container would have.

There’s still plenty of old tinware around that can enhance your home. On a recent trip through some New England antique shops, we found this particularly to be true in the area of kitchen collectibles. We saw a turn-of-the-century coffee canister, for example, with interesting markings that provides a nice touch in a country kitchen.

Q: What American period appears to be most popular among toy collectors?--M.B.

A: Toys produced in the 19th Century--especially the last half of that century--are widely popular among collectors. Cast-iron and tin toys are particularly sought after, collectors say, and have changed hands for several thousands of dollars each. The cast-iron variety, in particular, began to appear in this country just after the Civil War and have become very popular.

Although age is important in determining the value of a collectible toy, that isn’t the only factor in determining a price tag. For example, an item only about a decade old also may command wide collector interest too because of limited production or the fact that it was associated with a particular event.

In addition to the date of production, the toy’s condition probably counts for more in determining value than in many other categories of collectibles. In fact, one collector says that some toy collectors are so fastidious that they insist on the original box the toy came in, if they think it is at all available somewhere on the market.

Q: I will soon be visiting New England and would like the name of a museum that I’ve heard about. It has a collection of owls in various shapes, sizes and patterns.--P.A.

A: You may be referring to the Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, Vt.

We receive a ton of mail on where to sell collectibles--everything from records to magazines to you-name-it. Well, there’s a just-published paperback on that very subject, appropriately called “Where to SELL Anything & Everything” by Henry A. Hyman (World Almanac Publications, New York).

Hyman has found one collector or dealer in a number of categories--ranging from advertising items and Americana to guns and sheet music. He then lists their addresses and, in many instances, a telephone number along with a description of the collector’s or dealer’s background and operations. For example, if you wanted to sell some beer trays, you’d call Lynn Geyer in Phoenix. Corkscrews? Try Aaron Corenman in Los Altos, Calif.

Currently, Hyman says, the book can be obtained for $10.95 (which covers postage) directly from him (P. O. Box 331, Temple City 91780).

“The experts have derived a steady income from selling to these buyers for many years,” he says in the introduction. “Now it’s your turn to convert everyday items into cash.” This useful book is a good start in that direction and should find a spot on your collectible bookshelf.

On a question about cowboy posters, we asked readers for organizations that deal with the subject. A response came from the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Collectors Assn., P. O. Box 371, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662.

“Our association was formed on Dec. 7, 1983, in Roy’s hometown of Portsmouth, Ohio,” Judy Wilson, the group’s treasurer, wrote. “We put out a bimonthly newsletter and try to keep collectors updated on cowboy collectibles. I personally answer any questions that come to us. . . . We have about 150 members spread around the world.”

For Hummel collectors, a lavishly illustrated new book for your coffee table: “Golden Anniversary Album: M. I. Hummel” (320 pages, $32.50, 332 plates in full color). The book is available now only through Hummel dealers, but it will be in bookstores later this year.

Ronald L. Soble cannot answer mail personally but will respond in this column to questions of general interest about collectibles. Do not telephone. Write to Your Collectibles, You section, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.