Oct 25, 2002 By Charles Mather 3 min read

Q. I anyone buying fashion accessories from the ’40s and ’50s? – Tess, Erie, Pa. A. Fashion enthusiasts and specialty collectors vie for examples from this era. Hats, shoes and bags seem to always be in demand with those who love fashion. Gypsy style clothing seems to be hot. Print dresses from the 1950s are also doing well. Chiffon items have slackened off for some reason and at present are slow movers. A 1950s green wicker purse in the shape of a frog can bring $600. A 1940s French beaded purse returns $400. If you decide to sell on today’s market, a straw hat in good condition dating from the 1940s by Jingo can bring $400. A Howard Hodge black hat with a large fishnet veil from the 1940s is valued at $250.

Q. I have some Ocean liner memorabilia. Any interest? – Ken, Harrisburg, Pa.

A. A collectors market seems to be growing here in the United States as well as in Britain. Some think it is due to the 1998 film Titanic. There is a rekindled nostalgia for the glamour of the early liners. Here are some values in this field: a small photo of the Titanic in a shell frame from 1912, $225; a condiment set from the Queen Mary in silver and glass from 1950, $175; a rare Queen Mary embossed toffee tin from 1936, $125; ship binoculars from the 1940s, $125; a spelter metal box from 1910 showing the SS Finland on top, $75; a French line ceramic ashtray from the 1950s, $75.

Q. Can you quote a price on a collection of American flags? – Joe, Cannon Crossing, Conn.

A. The dollar value on old flags is not based on the age of the flag alone. Scarcity and aesthetic merit are also considered. A Union Jack from the War of 1812 measuring 35 by 62 inches is considered rare and lists for over $23,000. This piece features 15 stars. Another flag, measuring 50 feet featuring 21 stars and made in 1819 as a Commissioning pennant for the ship “Herald,” can command $8,500. On the other end of the scale row patterned flags of 44, 45 and 46 stars turn up frequently at flea markets. Machine made examples sell for about $50. Hand sewn flags of this vintage can bring $120. A 48 star flag, machine sewn on cotton bunting, fetches $35.Current Prices

– Pastel, “Sara with her Baby,” “No. 1,” Mary Cassatt, 1901, $1,250.

– Roseville, pottery, sunflower vase, 1930c rare, $1,500.

– Egg Beater, Holt-Lyon, Patent date Sept. 7, 1897, cast iron beater, $150.

– Advertising, a metal spice can, three crows on fence, Atlantic, $65.

– Clock, novelty, God Bless America, flag moves, $100.

– Teapot, child’s, black silhouette on white, Made in Japan, $35.

– Magic Set, Rootie Kazootie, 1950s, complete, $125.

– Sheet Music, “Hats Make The Woman,” Victor Herbert, 1905, $15.

– Nutcracker, brass, figure of cat, $125.

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.