A woman recently made a surprising discovery in the garage of her deceased parent's home in Philadelphia.
There, amongst the garden tools, the woman came across several suitcases that had long been stashed out of sight. Thinking they might contain old clothes, the woman was taken completely by surprise when she opened the suitcases to find a hoard of old coins, many of them silver and gold.
Turns out her parents had never mentioned to her anything about the coins, that was later appraised at $88,000.
Readers, write and tell me about your latest finds.
Question: I have six chairs that were made by the Taylor Chair Company. Can you tell me anything about the chairs and what they are worth? - H.E., Devola.
Answer: Taylor Chair Company of Bedford, Ohio, manufactured more than 100 different styles of chairs from the early 1900s. Tables, sofas, and other types of furniture were added in the 1950s-'60s. The company is still in business in Bedford. I would need to see a photo of your chairs to get an idea when they were made.
Q.: My grandmother has the first to ever be published of "The Night Before Christmas." The book is made of fabric published in 1912. Can you tell me what it is worth? D.T., Marietta.
A.: Sorry to tell you that your grandmother doesn't have the first published work of "The Night Before Christmas." It was first published in a newspaper in 1823. What you have is a book that was printed by Saalfield Publishing Company of Akron. The company started out in 1899 in Akron, creating a group of children's books made of muslin. The books could be washed and were very hard to tear. The company soon became the country's largest publisher of children's books, including coloring books, storybooks, toys and games. The company closed in 1977, and its library and archives were bought by Kent State University in Kent. Your book is worth $100 to $110 in excellent condition, if the pages are not torn or faded.
Q.: I have a 13-piece set of Aunt Jemima salt and pepper shakers, six-piece spice set, syrup pitcher, and a sugar and creamer. Can you tell me how old they are and what they are worth? - J.D., Parkersburg.
A.: Aunt Jemima and Uncle Mose shakers and other items were Quaker Oat premiums made by the F&F Mold Die Works of Dayton in the late 1940s. Your set is worth $250. You're missing the Aunt Jemima Cookie Jar, which would make your set worth more.
Larry Koon is the author of several price guide books on antiques and collectibles. His column appears every Monday on Life. Send letters to Treasure in the Attic, c/o The Marietta Times, 700 Channel Lane, Marietta 45750; or e-mail him at koonantiques@yahoo.com. When writing, send a complete description of the item, along with size, color, any markings on the item along with condition the item is in, and how the item was obtained, and any other information. If possible, send a photograph. Letters will be answered through this column.
