Jun 7, 2002 By Charles Mather 3 min read

Q. I collect bookmarks. Some prices, please? – Sally, Atco, N.J. A. Most early examples were made of cloth, leather or parchment. But the hand-crafted bookmarks of the 1800s were crocheted and hand-painted. Here are some values: a celluloid marker by Whitehead and Hoag featuring a small mohair teddy bear, $125; a bookmark advertising Gold Seal Champagne from New York State $30; Birds on Branches, wooden, hand-painted, $125; cardboard mark advertising Poll Parrot Shoes, $18; celluloid version advertising Waltham Crayons, $30; Lipton Tea, Ladies in Native costumes, paper, 1905, $25; sterling silver, featuring a cross, $50.

Q. Can you offer prices realized for rare baseball cards? – Jim, Ithica, N.Y.

A. To find an authentic Honus Wagner, shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates, a find of a lifetime as one actually sold for $1.3 million in 2000. Remember, this card was printed in 1909. A Babe Ruth rookie card from 1914 fetched $80,000 because it is super-rare with only 10 known to exist. A Mickey mantle 1952 Topps card sold for $275,000 because only three in super gem condition are known. Mickey’s 1951 Bowman cards are slightly down in price today because of previous all-time high prices. Ozzie Smith 1979 Topps card sells for only $400. His induction into the Hall of Fame in July will cause further interest but true collectors know there are many cards out there.

Q. Does anyone collect early typewriters? – Eileen, Manchester, Vt.

A. Film star Tom Hanks collects them as well as many others. Sholes and Glidden made the first commercially successful typewriter in 1874. By the 1890s dozens of others were on the market. By the 1920s competition in makers thinned out and only a few makers survived. three periods of the machine exist: the pioneer up to 1890, the classic period, 1890 to 1920, and the modern period, since 1920, and the modern period, since 1920. It is safe to say that most vintage typewriters can still be had for under $100. Auction prices are mixed with some items bringing astronomical returns. To get a top price, the item should be in mint condition.Current Prices

– Jewelry, costume, Miriam Haskell, brooch, faux pearls, 1950s, $125.

– Railroad, First Aid Kit, Canadian Northern, metal, $40.

– Uniform, War of 1812, Naval Officer’s Uniform set, complete, $4,000.

– Marbles, comic set of 12 different characters, $1,500.

– Ku Klux Klan, belt buckle, Hood and Cross, Realm of Georgia, 1916, $450.

– Davey Crockett, child’s leather jacket, $125.

– Calendar, Edison Mazda, Golden Hours, Maxfield Parrish, 1929, $800.

– Matchbook Cover, Kennedy-Johnson inauguration, Diamond Match Co., $15.

– Tin, nutmeg grater, early 1900s, $125.

– Furniture, pine cupboard, original paint, Irish, 1820, $4,000.

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