Jul 12, 2002 By Charles Mather 3 min read

Q. Is my Art Deco cocktail shaker in a penguin form valuable? – Al, Butte, Mont. A. The Art Deco era found popularity in the form of the shakers are the stainless steel and chrome-plated designs of the 1920s – 1940s. Many shakers can be found in the $25 to $100 range, but scarcer designer models such as those by Norman Bel Geddes can bring as much as $3,000. Well-made shakers in unique shapes really appeal to collectors. Look for airplane shapes and animal and bird shapes such as your penguin. What to search for in glass shakers are the brilliant colored examples. Your penguin cocktail shaker was designed by Emile A. Schuelke for the Napier Company in 1936 and this silver-plated model lists today for $15,000.

Q. Can the British Royal Arms mark on china help to date it? – Cal, Berlin, Md.

A. English potters incorporated the British Royal Arms into their printed or impressed marks during the 190th century. A study of the mark can provide a key to dating ceramics. Prior to the accession of Queen Victoria in 1847, there was a small inescutcheon, or extra shield, in the center of the quartered shield. Between 1801 and 1814, this extra shield had a cap over the top. This was replaced between 1814 and 1837 by a crown. All the arms engraved after 1837 have only the simple quartered shield. American potters also copied the arms mark, necessitation a careful examination.

Q. Can you list prices on magazines illustrated by name artists? – Kay, Utica, N.Y.

A. What collectors look for most in vintage magazines are the artists who designed both the covers and inside pages. Pre-1930 issues always find a buyer. Maxfield Parrish illustrations in a magazine can cause it to be worth as much as $200. Rolf Armstrong, another famous illustrator, can bring $100 a copy. Erte examples from 1914 to 1936 fetch $125. Petty, who did the “Pin UP” girls, are valued up $90 an issue. Norman Rockwell issues from 1914 to 1975 have been known to sell for up to $500. His Christmas issue with an illustration of Santa Claus from December 1931, is valued at $150. Rose O’Neill of the “Kewpies” fame go for $150 also.Current Prices

– Arrowhead, Persian, bronze, circa 1200 B.C., $100.

– Ice Bucket, by Stromberg, Sweden, with sterling silver trim, 1960s, $800.

– Book, Hardy Boys, “Clue of the Broken Blade,” No. 21, 1965, $20.

– Royal Bayreuth, hatpin holder, “Rose Tapestry” pattern, 4.5 inches, $650.

– Pen, ball point, Christian Dior, black lacquer, 1985, $25.

– Autograph, Jack Nicklaus, signed photo, 1980, $75.

– Coca-Cola, glass syrup bottle, early 1900s, $1,250.

– Bank, mechanical, Bird on Roof, J and E Stevens, 1878, $2,000.

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.