COLLECTING
1920s Stove, Vintage Lawn Mowers, Jade Figurines, Canadian Club Mirror
By Larry Cox
Q: I have a Magic Chef stove from the 1920s that requires complete restoration. There are chips on the enamel and signs of rust on the burners. Can you recommend someone who can do this type of work? I plan to make this vintage stove the centerpiece of my new kitchen. -- Steve, Oklahoma City, Okla.
A: Rich Allen, one of the owners of Appliances Plus in Tucson, Ariz., can help you. His company buys, sells and restores classic refrigerators and stoves. The current inventory features more than 500 classic and vintage refrigerators and stoves. More and more people are purchasing older appliances because of the superb quality and workmanship. His contact information is 5020 East Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85712; and 800-909-6849. Check out the company's Web site, www.antiquevintageappliances.com.
Q: I am breaking up an estate and have several vintage lawn mowers and an old tractor, an F-12 McCormick-Deering from the 1930s. Can you help me find someone who can help me liquidate these items? -- Laura, Davenport, Iowa
A: I found your tractor referenced in the second edition of American Farm Collectibles by Russell E. Lewis (Krause, $24.99). According to Lewis, your tractor is worth approximately $1,000 depending, of course, on condition. Two sources that might also be helpful are Little Lawn and Garden Tractor Club, expo@wmci.net, 563-875-7448; and Lawn and Garden Magazine, www.lawnandgardencollector.com, and 866-378-2954.
Q: I have a pair of Chinese jade figurines that were purchased sometime during the early 1950s. I would like to find an appraiser for them. -- Evelyn, Sun City West, Ariz.
A: The better dealers and appraisers are the experts at AntiqueJades.Com, P.O. Box 3340, Springfield, MA 01101, and 413-736-8945. If you have a specific question, you can contact questions@antiquejades.com.
Q: I have a Canadian Club bar mirror listing all of the Triple Crown winners, the last being Affirmed from 1978. Any value? -- Felipe, Albuquerque, N.M.
A: Your mirror is probably worth in the $30 to $50 range.
Write to Larry Cox in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to antiquequestions@aol.com. Due to the large volume of mail he receives, Mr. Cox is unable to personally answer all reader questions. Do not send any materials requiring return mail.
(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.
