It is Old; is It Valuable?

“I’m going through stuff at our house. Some of the items are old, but I’d like to know if they would be worth selling.” The Newton Falls Public Library has a wealth of material to assist patrons looking to discover if what they own has more value than they may think. We have books that cover the broad topics of antiques and collectibles, such as The Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide by Ralph and Terry Kovel, and Antique Trader Antiques & Collectibles. The Antiques Price Guide and Collectibles: Price Guide by Judith Miller, have very useful, color photographs which will assist you in identifying what is owned. If you think what you have may be a bit more humble than an antique or collectible, consider borrowing Official Guide to Flea Market Prices by Harry L. Rinker, Flea Market Trader, or Warman's Flea Market Price Guide by Don Johnson & Ellen T. Schroy.

The library also has books about specific items ranging from The Complete Encyclopedia to GI Joe by Vincent Santelmo to Antique Hardware Price Guide: a comprehensive collector's price and identification guide to vintage doorknobs, door bells, mail slots, hinges, door pulls, shutter hardware and locksets by H. Weber Wilson. It is interesting to see the variety of things that people save and collect.

For items which have been left neglected, before selling an owner may want to examine Care and repair of everyday treasures: a step-by-step guide to cleaning and restoring your antiques and collectibles by Judith Miller. When ready to sell, borrow The Great Garage Sale Book: how to run a garage, tag, attic, barn, or yard sale by Sylvia Simmons. Through our shared TiPL [Trumbull Independent Public Libraries] catalog borrow The Complete idiot's Guide to Starting an E-bay Business by Barbara Weltman.

Out of curiosity we decided to investigate some personal items. We were not able to find the tube-shaped Herb Ox bouillon tin in Antique Tins, Identification & Values by Fred Dodge and shall have to keep investigating. However the pink Diamond Quilted Depression glass cereal bowl was in Warman’s Depression Glass by Ellen T. Schroy and is valued at $8.50.