Question: Can you tell me anything about a picture I'm sending you of an old Indian lady? It belonged to my dad and was probably taken some time in the '50s. - D.A., Beverly.
Answer: Your photograph was taken by Jay Stock of Martins Ferry. Stock has photographed people on at least five continents, such as the American Indians, the black people in Africa, Eskimos, the Amish, and coal miners in America and South Whales. Jay's Studio today is located at 1107 S. Zane Highway, Martins Ferry, Ohio 43935; telephone (740) 633-3100.
Q.: I have a book that I acquired at an auction written by Teddy Roosevelt called, "African Game Trails," Volume II, published by Charles Scribner's Sons, 1926. Does it have any value and where can I sell it? - L.W., Newport.
A.: They are two used copies of this book selling today on amazon.com for $29 each in good condition. If it was the first printing and signed by Teddy Roosevelt it would be worth much more. You may want to try and sell it on eBay, start the bidding at $20, see what it brings.
Q.: I found this old drawing hidden in back of a picture frame. At the top of the drawing it reads, "Pierce Arrow." In the center of the drawing there are two men and a woman standing in front of an old automobile signed by Louis Fancher and dated 1911. On the back of the drawing is an advertisement for the Willys Overland Company, Toledo. Can you tell me anything about this find and what it might be worth? - C.K., Marietta.
A.: First of all, "Pierce Arrow" was an American automobile manufacturer based in Buffalo, N.Y., from 1901 to 1938. In 1911, they manufactured an Overland 30-horsepower, five-passenger touring car that sold new for $900 through dealerships around the country, including the Willys Overland Co. in Toledo. The company advertised the car through brochure illustrated by Louis Fancher (1844-1944), an American artist and illustrator noted for his drawings that appeared in magazines during World War I. What is your item worth? There are a couple of auction houses today that buy and sell old automobilia pamphlets and advertising such as yours. Contact Barrett Jackson Automobilia at (480) 421-6694.
Auction prices realized
Paperweight advertising E. J. Lobdell Manufacturers of Carriages & Coaches in Marietta, $10.
Token (aluminum) advertising Rich Loaf Bread on one side and schedule for Marietta College football team (1949) on other side, $9.
Three-and-a-half-inch bell advertising Union Hardware Company in Marietta, $10.50.
Postcard showing main dining room of Leader Restaurant, 248 Front St., Marietta, $7.
Postcard (1917) Marietta Red Mens Indian League Drill, $15.50.
Ten-inch dinner plate, Kettlespring Kilns, 175th anniversary monument to Start Westward 1788-1963, $17
Reno Motel postcard, $5.
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.
1930 postcard entering Lowell from the north on Interstate 77, $8.
Postmarked envelope Marietta Feb.29. 1916 leap year, from Safe Cabinet Company Marietta to Mutual Bldg Loan , Long Beach. California $6
1904 postcard of Market Street in Parkersburg, $11.50.
Transit token, city lines, Parkersburg, $4.
