Sep 27, 2002 By Charles Mather 3 min read

Q. Can you discuss “Occupied Japan” items? – Brenda, Millsboro, Del. A. The search is on for any item marked “Occupied Japan.” They were introduced during the period from the end of World War II until April of 1952, when the occupation ended. Some pieces slipped by during this time marked “Japan” and “Made in Japan.” Even though you have virtually identical pieces, the occupied piece is what collectors are searching for. Values can vary based on the quality of the workmanship. Figures made of bisque command a higher price than those made of porcelain. A figurine of a horse with rider in bisque can fetch $250. A porcelain egg cup brings $20.

Q. What is meant by a “sparking lamp”? – Bob, Monroe, Mich.

A. These small glass or metal lamps were designed to burn a small amount of oil for a short time. They are also known as “tavern lamps.” A guest at a tavern oftentimes was given one to light his way to his room after an evening of imbibing. Since it only burned for a short while, the possibility of a mishap was greatly reduced should the user fall asleep before extinguishing the light. These lamps only measured between three and eight inches tall as they were miniature versions of larger models. Value guide: “sparking lamp,” pewter, saucer base, circa 1840, $350.

Q. Can you evaluate a box full of books on the Civil War? – Lou, Tulsa, Okla.

A. Books on the Civil War are in demand and encompass thousands of related examples. Here are some values; Gone With the Wind, Margaret Mitchell, First Edition, first issue, October, 1936, Macmillan, $2,000; Army of the Potomac, First Edition, George B. McClellan, Sheldon, author signed, 1864, $500; Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Or Life Among the Lowly, First Edition, first issue, Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1852, Boston, original cloth, $8,000; John Brown, The Making of a Martyr, First Edition, 1929, Payson Clarke, Author’s first book, inscribed, $1,500; The Life of Abraham Lincoln, Josiah Holland, 1866, Gurdon Bull, Springfield, Mass., $150.Current Prices

– Political, bandana, Benjamin Harrison, Levi Morton, 1889, $300.

– Flash Gordon, radiogun, repeater, $500.

– Bottle Opener, Dodo bird, cast iron, black and orange, rare, $700.

– Poster, movie, “An American in Paris,” MGM, 1951, 81 inches square, $4,312.

– Doll, Effanbee, Mary lee, composition, wooden limbs, 20 inches, $750.

– Silver, toast rack, Hukin and Heath, English, 1884, $850.

– Clock, bracket, Edwardian, mahogany, strike movement, 15 inches, $450.

– Bottle, scent, modeled as a lemon, silver top, 19th century, $750.

– Piano, Viennese, figured walnut, 6 octave, Gyrikowski, Prague, 1840, $60,000.

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.