Oct 4, 2002 By Charles Mather 3 min read

Q. How many pieces were part of a wash set? – Conrad, Oakland, Calif. A. Before the advent of indoor plumbing, wash sets were a must and could usually be found in every bedroom. In addition to the bowl and pitcher, the set consisted of a toothbrush holder, covered commode, soap dish, hot water pitcher, which was smaller, waste jar to empty the water into, and a shaving mug or dish. Because of their daily usage, many of the smaller pieces were broken over the years. To find a comp1ete set is rare. They were made in porcelain and semi-porcelain and were usually placed on an oak wash stand, which sometimes had a marble top. Value guide: Bowl and pitcher only, Mason’s ironstone, English. 1830, $850.

Q. I have a small collection of maple syrup s pouts. Any Value? – Betty, Barre, Maine.

A. When the sap began to run in the spring, these wooden spouts were sure to be taken out of the closets to help catch it. The Indians were the first to discover it. It takes 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of syrup. The Indians merely gashed a tree and collected the sap. Early settlers bore holes in the trees and used spouts or spigots. They are usually made of sumac, elderberry, or alder. These wooden tubes measure 6 or 7 inches and are hand carved. Sometimes they are hand decorated. If you were a serious sap collector, you usually had a minimum of 20 spouts. They sell for $25 each in shops today.

Q. Are postcards showing actual photos in demand? – Kelly, Berlin, Md.

A. U.S. postal regulations first allowed postcards in 1872. Earlier, souvenir cards were produced, depicting tourist spots around the world. These were called “pioneer cards.” From 1898 to 1918, many cards were printed by European publishers, especially English and German. In 1901 Congress granted permission to use the word “postcard.” Views, is the term used by collectors for photographs of various cities, monuments, etc. Some of postcards are made from actual photographs and are called “real-photo postcards. These are highly sought today. Good condition is essential for best returns. Value guide: photo postcard, Rudolph Valentino playing chess, $20.Current Prices

– Tea Canister, porcelain, Worcester, England,1775, $600.

– Railroad, timetable, Atlantic Coast Line, 1960, $8.

– Miniature Portrait, Lady Pastard, on ivory, gilt frame, 1780, $3,200.

– Model Kit, Banana Splits Banana Buggy. Aurora, 1969, $500.

– Doll, Minnie Mouse, plush and felt, Charlotte Clark, 1940s, $800.

– Cheese Dish, covered. Blue Chintz pattern, Crown Ducal, $750.

– Catalog, Sears Roebuck, Norman Rockwell cover, 1922, $150.

– Butter Stamp, wooden, pomegranate, turned handle, $80.

– Puzzle, jigsaw, King Kong, Chad, Valley, 200 pieces, $6,000.

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