Aug 30, 2002 By Charles Mather 3 min read

Q. Are many interested in early fishing materials? – George, Pittsfield, Mass. A. Many early lures were made of sterling silver and a display of some unusual models shocked a major auction house when they fetched $42,000. Angling is one of the world’s oldest sports and it is rich in artifact and invention. There are many who just collect tackle. Books actually exist on the interest in tackle and a television auction was devoted to fishing tackle. Reels are also of interest and a German silver model dating from 1877 returned $3,575 at auction. A limited edition Thomas and Thomas assortment of 20 rods from 1981 fetched $3,300. A woven creel reached $330 before the hammer fell.

Q. Can you discuss carnelian jewelry? – Tod, Walnut Creek, Calif.

A. This brownish red stone was considered back in the Victorian era to possess protective qualities and guard the wearer against danger. Napoleon never ventured into battle without his carnelian. If a person was wounded in battle, all bleeding would immediately stop by placing a carnelian near the spot. You’re a non-believer? Take a carnelian with you anyway. Your great grandmother wouldn’t want it any other way. Expect to pay $500 for a man’s ring in a heavy 18K gold shank. The ladies can get the protective benefits by wearing a necklace 18 inches long with a gold clasp, dating from 1860 and valued at the same price.

Q. Are Fisher Price toys worth collecting? – Jay, Bedford, Pa.

A. The company originated in East Aurora, N.Y., in 1930. It featured wooden pull toys with colorful lithographed paper characters applied. The firm’s first toy “Dr. Doodle” can fetch up to $2,000. Other vintage pieces sell for $100 to $500 each. These are difficult to find in good condition as they were played with. A box found with a vintage piece is almost unheard of. That is why the prices are high. The early 1950s found the company featuring musical wind-up radios and televisions and these sell for $5 to $30 according to condition. Reissues do exist like the Chatter Telephone and the Corn Popper. Plastic toys date from the 1960s and these are finds with a future.Current Prices

– Stein, pewter, one liter, early 19th century, undecorated, $500.

– Beatles, candy, “Beatle Bar,” wrapped, 1960s, $50.

– Book, “Book of Cats, Twenty Drawings by Foujita,” Ltd. Edition, $14,950.

– Silver, flatware, George Jenson, Acorn pattern, berry spoon, $750.

– Snuff Bottle, carved Lapis Lazuli, Chinese, $125.

– Knife Box, mahogany, inlay, holds 20 knives, brass trim, $750.

– Belleek, American, Cup and saucer, white with gold, Willetts, $100.

– Tramp Art, picture frame, signed by maker, 1906, $300.

– Bed Sheets, plain linen, monogrammed, pair, $65.

– Advertising, Pepsi-Cola cardboard, bottle display, Pepsi and Pete, $600.

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