May 31, 2002 By Charles Mather 3 min read

Q. Can you put a value on our slag glass table lamp? – Tony, Medford, Ore. A. Several companies introduced slag glass, marbleized opaque glassware, about 1870. It is usually found in caramel and green and is rarer in pink. The Wannopee Pottery, which was established in 1892 in New Milford, Conn., produced your lamp. The pottery base was known as “Duchess.” A similar line was made in porcelain. Both were marked with an impressed letter “W.” The mottled pottery base features a flamb’ type glaze in three colors: tobacco, green and black. The paneled slag glass shade was designed in eight panels and measures 13 inches. To replace the lamp today, it would cost $1,500.

Q. I collect Roy Rogers items. Any tips? – Clarence, Tulsa, Okla.

A. This singing cowboy began his career in the 1930s. Chalk up 80 films in addition to hosting his own radio show. No one can hear the song “Happy Trails” without thinking of Roy. He also endorsed over 400 products that bore his name. His memorabilia is much in demand. He is reported to have made over $30 million on items carrying his name. His death in 1998 renewed collector’s interest. An alarm clock by Ingraham from the 1950s is worth $400 today. A paper popgun from 1951 fetches $50. Expect to pay $800 for a Roy Rogers Riders Club member pack from 1950. You will have to part with the same figure to own a three-gun double holster set by Classy from 1958.

Q. Are Tiger Woods collectibles on the upswing? – Cal, Pasadena, Calif.

A. A 99-cent golf ball signed by this pro is expected to fetch $1,200 at auction. Because the gentleman is reticent about signing his autograph, of course, it’s more valuable. Anything relating to him is considered gold by his following but autographs are top on the list along with a 1997 trading card. Autographs offered over the Internet should be selected wisely, as most are fakes. Sports illustrated for Kids in the 1996 issue offered a card that was part of a sheet insert, and is so rare because the paper was so thin, making it next to impossible to get it in mint condition. It was sold privately for over $100,000. He rarely signs and will never do it once play begins.Current Prices

– Political, sunglasses, “I Like Ike,” plastic, blue ribbons, $40.

– Hopalong Cassidy, gum card set, Topps, 1950, mint condition, $2,500.

– Catalog, Parker Brothers, games, 12 pages, 1929, $45.

– Microscope, lacquered brass, signed “Dancer Manchester,” 1850s, $1,200.

– Pottery, Old Sleepy Eye, flour barrel, original paper label, 1920s, $1,800.

– Pull Toy, lamb on platform, bell toy, Fallows, painted tin, $1,500.

– Flow Blue, pottery turkey platter and 6 plates, Ridgway, England, $750.

– Book, The Hunt For Red October, Tom Clancy, first edition, 1984, $800.

– Doll, Mary Hartline, Super Circus, hard plastic, all original, $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.