Nov 1, 2002 By Charles Mather 3 min read

Q. Is an early Roman oil lamp valuable? Drew. Elgin, Ill. A. These date back to the First and second centuries A.D. and can puzzle some not familiar with them. These lamps are made of terracotta or “baked clay” and appear fairly course in appearance. The clay is porous. It assumes a red-ocher color when fired. They are usually unglazed. The wick was made of flax, which was immersed in animal fat or vegetable oil. Such lamps were used as a source of light for the households of the period. Most cost on today’s market between $500 and $600. A few of the rarer examples can fetch as high as $2,000.

Q. Do my Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew books rate a mention? – Kay, Bethesda, Md.

A. The earlier published Hardy Boys books from the 1920s only bring about $20 each now due to the quantities produced. Books from the 1950s and 1960s fetch only $15 each or less according to condition. Nancy Drew brings a better return with a copy of “The Clue of the Tapping Heels.” No.16, from 1942 by Carolyn Keene. Farah, fetching $125, if the dust jacket is intact. Other Nancy Drew books are usually priced at $25 each. An exception is the “Mystery of the Ivory Charm,” No. 13, which is a second printing from 1936 that can be worth $200.

Q. Can you price some early French enameled boxes? – Kate, Omaha. Neb.

A. Enameled boxes were produced in the Limoges district of France during the 16th and 17th centuries. They are considered the finest European examples of that period. Most of the work was done by a small number of families. Early designs were often of a religious type. Brighter colors were used in the later production of these boxes. Here are some values: Gilt metal porcelain box and cover, scene of card players, 51/2 inches. $1,200; domed covered with portrait medallions, and jeweled border, $800; box and cover, rectangular shaped, showing tavern drinkers, $600; larger box with harbor scene with boats, 19th century, $900.Current Prices

– Doulton, Lambeth, spirit barrel, floral decor, impressed Jane Rumbol, $2.500.

– Doll House, Federal period plus 160 pieces of original furniture, $15,000.

– Puzzle, jigsaw, Pinocchio, Disney, Jaymar original box, $50.

– Noritake, fan shaped vase. Hand-painted Art Deco floral. Japan, $250.

– Cut Glass, punch bowl, Hawkes, Brazilian pattern, 121/2 inches, $1,600.

– Bottle, milk. Winona Lake, Indiana, quart, round, $100.

– Painting, “The Chase,” oil on board, American Indian, Charlie Dye, $20,000.

– Silver, plated, fish servers, ornate handles, 1890, $125.

– Cisco Kid, ring, shaped like saddle, rare, $500.

– World’s Fair, cigarette tin, 1939, New York, blue with orange logo, $135.

Write to Charles Mather in care of the Herald Standard at Crown Syndicate, P.O. Box 99126, Seattle, Wash. 98199 or call 206-285-1888.