Apr 26, 2002 By Charles Mather 3 min read

Q. Is their really a teddy bear worth $150,000? – June, Exton, Pa. A. Teddy is celebrating his 100th birthday this year and the collecting fever for him is at an all-time high. According to experts in this field, the Steiff firm of Germany issued its first bear in 1904. A very rare “String Teddy” was made in limited quantities. The limbs are held together by heavy twine and a museum photo is all there is to prove its production. It was labeled Bear 55 PB – the number meaning the size in centimeters. The letter P stands for Plush and the B for Beweglich, the German word for joined with string. Buyers at the time considered the toy too bulky and expensive and very few sold. Yes, it is valued at $150,000 today.

Q. Can you place a value on my Royal Copenhagen platter? – Josie, Tulsa, Okla.

A. The Royal Copenhagen firm began producing its wares in Denmark in 1772. Their famous limited edition Christmas plate was offered in 1908. Collectors are familiar with the mark of the firm which shows three wavy lines in blue. They signify the three waterways that run through Denmark. The 19th century output featured magnificent figures and a Far Eastern influence. The first Christmas plate from 1908, “Madonna and Child,” is worth in excess of $3,500 today. Your platter in the Flora Dancia design measuring 16 inches is valued at $1,500.

Q. Can you discuss early perfume bottles? – Chris, Brattleboro, Vt.

A. Collectors search for commercial and noncommercial fragrance bottles. The production involves the most delicate forms of glassmaking, as well designed etching and engraving. French names like Baccarat and Lalique command particular attention. Scent producers, such as Coty, Caron and Nina Ricci, had commercial bottles by Laiique to hold the perfumes. Many European glassmakers are still responsible for beautiful bottles. Unusual finds would be oversized display examples as well as miniatures and purse size bottles. The DeVilbiss firm of Ohio supplied the classic bulb atomizer bottles prized today. Value guide: Lalique, non-commercial bottle, artist signed with flat top stopper, 44/2 inches, $1,000.Current Prices

– Silver, asparagus tongs, English, Sheffield, George l11, $750.

– Toy, fire pumper, live steam, Schoenner, 1890s, $5,000.

– Noisemaker, clown face, U.S. Metal Toy Mfgr., 1930, $10.

– Record, Elvis Presley, “That’s Al1 Right,” Sun label, 45 rpm, $1,000.

– Lunch Box, Winnie the Pooh, steel, Alladin, $125.

– Comic Book, Action Comics, No.1, June 1938, Superman’s debut, auction, $63,000.

– Occupied Japan, cup and saucer, Dragon Ware, $60.

– Cambridge Glass, ashtray, crystal, Apple Blossom pattern, $50.

Write to Charles Mather in care of the Herald-Standard at Crown Syndicate Inc., P.O. Box 99126, Seattle, Wash. 98199 or call 206-285-1888.