Jul 5, 2002 By Charles Mather 3 min read

Q. Does our Shawnee pottery Scottie dog wall pocket have value? – Al, Butte, Mont. A. The firm’s output was sold in dime stores including Woolworth’s and S. Kresge as well as Sears Roebuck during the 1930s. It is considered one of America’s most sought potteries on the market today. Marked on the base “Shawnee U.S.A.,” it can still be acquired for very little by those who are not seasoned sellers. Factory seconds were acquired by some who then hand-decorated them. Decals were often used by these amateur decorators. For some reason these appeal to collectors. The firm ceased operations in 1961. Your wall pocket is valued at $100 today.

Q. Can you describe a “ballroom chair”? – Leslie, Harrisburg, Pa.

A. These chairs were very small. They usually have a gilt finish and bamboo turnings. They are considered fragile. They were often rented in quantities for special occasions. They were perfect for balls or receptions, since they were so light and portable. Young ladies of the day, however, preferred to spend the evening whirling around the dance floor rather than perched upon a rented ballroom chair. Funeral parlors often used them when needed. But because they were prone to damage, they are more difficult to find in good condition. Value guide: ballroom chair, some original gilt, $350.

Q. Can you quote prices on Planters Peanut items? – Jackie, Atlantic City, N.J.

A. In 1906 the Planters Nut and Chocolate Company was formed in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Mr. Peanut, the firm’s logo, was adopted as a trademark in 1916. Standard Brands bought the firm in 1961 and this firm merged with Nabisco in 1981. Collectors find a handful is not enough when it comes to collecting their items. Here are some values: scale, penny, Mr. Peanut figural, cast iron, 46 inches, $13,000; alarm clock, Mr. Peanut center, 1960s, $250; box for counter display, “Planters Salted Peanuts,” holding 24 cardboard boxes with WWII logo “For a Victorious America, buy U.S. War Bonds and Stamps,” $900; glass counter display jar, with lid, reading “Please Keep Jar Always Covered,” $200; drawstring pants, denim, Mr. Peanut pattern, 1960s, $50.Current Prices

– Clock, Jockey and Trotter, novelty, brass, Ansonia movement, $600.

– Cookie Jar, McCoy pottery, Indian head, $425.

– Toy, Miss Barbie furniture set, Sears exclusive 1964, $100.

– Book, child’s, Giving Tree, by Silverstein, Harper 1st edition, $60.

– Guitar Strings, box of 12, Gretsh Mfg. Co., $75.

– Baseball, jacket, Billy Loes, Brooklyn Dodgers, $1,910.

– Agate Glass, toothpick holder, green opaque, bulbous body, $1,000.

– Autograph, Charles and Diana, signed photo with Christmas card, $3,750.

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.