Tarzan - Lord of the Jungle

Collecting:

Tarzan Books, Painting Reproductions, & Old Land Deeds

By Larry Cox

Q: I have five Tarzan books by Edgar Rice Burrows. Do they have any value? -- Elmer, Deltona, Fla.

A: It depends on whether they are first or limited editions. Jerry Gerlach is a collector of Tarzan memorabilia and might be able to help you. His address is 2206 Greenbriar Drive, Irving, TX 75060. If you have a home computer, an easy and quick way to find out the value of most books is to locate them on the Internet at www.abe.com. This will show where the book is available and at what price. If you don't have a computer, purchasing a copy of The Official Price Guide to Collecting Books by Marie Tedford and Pat Goudy (House of Collectibles, $18) might be a good investment.

Q: We have a reproduction of "Christ at the Sea of Galilee," an oil painting originally executed by Tintoretto during the 16th century. Are reproductions worth anything? -- Mrs. P.B.H., Ephrata, Pa.

A: Jacopo Tintoretto was an Italian master. He was born in 1518 and died in 1594. Copies of his religious paintings are extremely popular and were reproduced by various companies throughout the 20th century. I suspect your framed print is worth in the $50-$150 range, but that is only a guess.

If you want an accurate opinion, you need to consult an appraiser. To find one in your area, I recommend you contact the Appraisers Association of America, 212-889-5404; the American Society of Appraisers, 703-478-2228; or the International Society of Appraisers, 206-241-0359.

Q: I have a land deed signed in 1837 by President Martin Van Buren. We are trying to determine what it is worth. -- Carol, Andersonville, Tenn.

A: Old land deeds are more plentiful than you might think. To find out the value of the one you have, you should contact an expert. Brian Kathenes is a certified appraiser who deals with autographs, manuscripts and historical documents. His contact information is P.O. Box 482, Hope, NJ 0784; Brian@nacvalue.com; www.nacvalue; and 908-459-5996 or 800-323-5996.

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) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.