May 24, 2002 By Charles Mather 3 min read

Q. Can you give me some tips on collecting Jack O’Lanterns? – Kay, Buffalo, N.Y. A. All items pertaining to Halloween are in demand with collectors. The German-made Jacks are the more valuable as they are older. Generally of composition or cardboard, they were turned out between 1900 and the 1930s. They are always depicted with a cut-out triangular nose, blue rings in the eyes of the tissue like inserts, and crisscross lines in the mouth for teeth. They also have attached cardboard bottoms. Examples with the original paper inserts can sell in excess of $350 each. The American lanterns are larger and made of an egg-carton type material. These were made between 1940 and the 1950s. A seven-inch lantern can sell for $225. Repros do exist.

Q. Can you discuss Coralene glass? – Trudy, Harrisburg, Pa.

A. This type of satin glass with tiny beads applied to the outer surface was made by glass houses in Europe and America during the 1880s. The Coralene decorating process was first patented in Germany in 1883. Many of the pieces were shaded although solid colors existed. The sparkling glass beads proved a striking contrast to the matte finish of the satin glass. A natural coral branch as part of the decor resulted in the name Coralene. Seaweed was another symbol that was popular as well as leaf, floral, bird and wheat designs. It is also known as “Lustra.” Copies do exist, but the beads fall off when touched. Value guide: Coralene vase, pink cased satin glass, 12 inches, $1,200.

Q. Are patriotic items in demand? – Kyle, Brooklyn, N.Y.

A. Uncle Sam has never been more popular than he is today. Suddenly, everyone wants a piece of Americana. Auction houses are also seeing record prices for items in this field. A presidential campaign flag from 1860 featuring hopefuls Lincoln and Hamlin sold for $11,825. Ambrotypes, an early form of photographs, can sell for $5,000 and upwards if they feature a Civil War soldier. Repros do exist in this field, so buyer beware. The famous recruiting poster of World War I, showing Uncle Sam, created by James Montgomery Flagg, can easily sell for $2,000. But again copies of the original exist.Current Prices

– Sheet Music, Popeye the Sailor man, Irving Berlin, 1931, $80.

– Pinball Machine, Keeney’s League Leader, baseball theme, 1951, $600.

– Paperweight, Clich, France, red and white flower, $5,000.

– Indian Tree, pattern, cup and saucer, Minton, England, $30.

– Carnival glass, compote Amaryllis pattern, blue, mall, Northwood, $650.

– Sewing Machine, New Home, Orange, Mass., 1903, $200.

– Golf Ball, Spalding, Baby Dimple covering, 1910, $125.

– Fountain Pen, Conklan, USA, Nozac, olive herringbone plastic, $450.

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.