Collecting Toys (3/28/08)
Many people seem to get started with toy collecting more accidentally than deliberately. There may be the old one-eyed teddy that nobody has the heart to give away; there may be the favorite train set that brings happy memories of rainy days indoors. Or you may visit a flea market and find yourself buying a doll because it is like the one you once had. More >>

NATIONAL CASKET CO (3/26/08)
I am in posession of a glass bottle market “National Casket Co”. I am unsure where this bottle came from, what it was used for, and if it is of any value. It has liquid measurements on it. Any answers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you More >>

Near-Flawless 1907 St. Gaudens $20 Sells for $517,500 (3/26/08)
A near-flawless 1907 Saint Gaudens High Relief double eagle sold for $517,500 in Heritage’s American Numismatic Association National Money Show on March 6-7 in Phoenix. The coin was graded PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) MS-69 (mint state 69.) More >>

New Coins Mark 2008 Biejing Olympics (3/26/08)
Coin collectors will be able to acquire proof gold and silver commemorative coins issued by the China Mint in honor of the games August 8-24. It is a complete proof 18-coin set issued in three series, featuring six gold coins that are each one-third troy ounce and 12 silver coins that are each 1 troy ounce. More >>

Japanese Officer’s pack (3/26/08)
At the start of World War II, equipment issued to troops by the Japanese Army typically was based on European designs. As the war progressed, material shortages became extreme and the Japanese took many measures to minimize the use of metal in any form. Metal features such as buckles on packs, helmets and other equipment were replaced by cloth or rubberized leather. More >>

How To Tell When You Have A Modern First Edition (3/25/08)
Many families have old books lying around the house, but they are reluctant to throw them out or donate them unless they know the books aren’t particularly valuable. But how to tell? More >>

What We Collect (3/25/08)
I’ve been collecting antique and vintage cartoons since I was a teenager in the 1940s – with the Good Lord’s help, I will reach 81 years at end of May! In my collection I now have about a dozen examples of early cartoons from England and the United States, as well as some modern ones. (I also have a small collection of Persian and Indian miniatures from 19th century manuscripts.) More >>

Is it Bakelite? (3/25/08)
There are many types of collectible plastics. Distinguishing their traits and characteristics can be challenging. More >>

The Comic Speculator (3/24/08)
Welcome back to the Comic Speculator, where each week I talk about affordable collector comics that may not be undervalued for long. This week, I’ll be discussing Silver Age comic legend Jack Kirby’s early works for DC comics. More >>

Masters of Food and Wine South America (3/24/08)
This past month I attended the Masters of Food and Wine opening party held at the Palacio Duhau in Buenos Aires. Masters of Food and Wine is an annual conference put on by the Park Hyatt; it had been held in Carmel for close to twenty years. In 2007, it debuted in Mendoza, Argentina. This year’s Masters of Food and Wine made a huge splash in Argentine wine country. More >>