Q: I have a Carlton Ware teapot in the shape of an aeroplane. It is green, with RAF markings. The lid is actually the pilot. How old is it and what is it worth? Mrs K
A: This teapot dates back only 20 years or so, and was one of two novelty aircraft designs made by Carlton at the time. The other was a Red Baron teapot, almost identical, but bright red with German air force markings. At the time, these teapots
were inexpensive, costing only £10-£15 as I recall, but such is the interest in both novelty teapots and aircraft, their value has really taken off. Each teapot is now fetching £125-£150.
Q: I have a toy car made by Matchbox. It is a 1938 Auburn Speedster, in very good condition. It has a beige coloured body and red wheels. Is it worth anything? Mr L
A: This model was one of the Matchbox Yesterday Series, and was first issued in1979. Four different coloured versions were made between then and 1990. Values for pristine-condition examples vary between £5 and £20 depending on model. The one you describe is one of the most common and value would be around £5.
Q: Can you tell me the value of a small folding camera I have? It is called the Kodak Junior and is black, with a pull-out lens. It is in lovely condition. Mr E
A: This camera dates from the late 1920s or early 1930s and was a very popular model which sold in vast numbers. Examples are very common and thus value is modest, normally about £25. Camera collectors prefer rarer models which were normally much more expensive when new, and thus were sold in far fewer numbers. Kodak produced the Junior for the mass-market at a time when photography was becoming a very popular pastime, and the camera was a best-seller in its day, so many examples have survived.
Q. I have five small Golly figures from Robertson's Jam. They are all holding musical instruments. I have had them quite a few years. What are they worth? Mrs T
A: These three-inch tall Gollies were issued in the 1970s. Sets are fairly common around the antiques trade, and fetch around £30 at present. The golly was used as a trademark by Robertson's from around the time of the first world war, apparently based on characters created by authors Florence and Bertha Upton in a series of children's books published in America in the 1890s. Many other golly promotional items have been produced over the years including badges, soft toys, teapots and toast-racks.
Q: I have a painting called The Letter by an artist called Torborch. On the back it says The Medici Society, and an address in Liverpool. Is it of any value? Mrs P
A: This item is a print, rather than an original painting. The Medici Society has long specialised in turning out prints and greetings cards featuring the work of famous artists, and while the paintings on which they are based can be very valuable, the prints themselves are normally quite modest in value, typically £10-£30 depending on size and design.
Q: I have about a dozen 78rpm records by the Jack Payne band. Are they worth anything. They are all in their original sleeves and in excellent condition. Mr W
A: Most old 78s are worth very little, just 50p or so, but certain artists -- George Formby, Oracle Fields, Glenn Miller etc -- who are well-remembered boost the value to sometimes a couple of pounds or more if the discs are in tiptop playing condition. Jack Payne was a well-known dance band leader of the 1930s and 1940s and along with contemporaries such as Geraldo, still has a fan-base today. His records can fetch typically fetch £1-£5 each depending on condition and specific title -- some are harder to acquire than others.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article