Collector cracks case of Keebler cracker containers

Q. Can you tell me about my two Keebler tins? I'd love to knowtheir history and value.

A. Philadelphian Godfrey Keebler manufactured hardtack, a nearlyindestructible, nearly inedible bread product for Union forces duringthe Civil War. In 1890, he partnered up with baker Augustus Weyl, amerger that lasted until 1965. On both tins is the legend "Keebler-Weyl," which dates them from before 1965. Condition is an essential factor in determining value, and your saltine containersare in very good shape, making them worth $15-$20 each.

Q. I have a book titled The Tour of the World in Eighty Days byJules Verne, published in New York by Lupton. Is this an originalcopy, a forerunner to Around the World in Eighty Days?

A. Both titles are English translations of this famous Frenchadventure novel written in 1873 by Jules Verne (1828-1905). Nowadays,Around the World in Eighty Days is the more popular of the tworenditions. Your Stratford Edition was printed after 1892 and has acurrent value of $35-$50.

Q. I have an old china piece with the letters "TST" stamped on it.Who made it?

A. That would be Taylor, Smith & Taylor of East Liverpool, Ohio.

Q. I have a Seth Thomas clock that's been in our family for atleast 100 years. Can you tell me its value?

A. Listed on page 32 of The Standard Antique Clock Value Guide(Collector Books, 2003, $19.95), your spring-wound "Albert" shelfclock dates from 1885. Author Alex Wescot says this wood-case timepiece is worth $320 in working order.

Q. I have a porcelain bowl on whose bottom is a partial trianglewith a crown on top. The initials "RW" are inside the triangle. Ithas to be more than 100 years old. Do you know the bowl's origin?

A. The German town of Rudolstadt was the home of the New York andRudolstadt Pottery from 1882 to 1918. Owned by Strauss & Sons of NewYork, who were also importers, RW wares included household anddecorative porcelain.

Q. How much is an 1897 silver dollar worth?

A. I just bought an 1896 "Liberty Head" without mint mark for myson James for $11. Unless yours is in extra-fine or uncirculatedcondition, the value should be the same.

Recommended reading: The Comic Art Price Guide, Jerry Weist(Arcturian Books, 2000, $26.95); Collector's Encyclopedia of FlowBlue China, updated 2001 values, Mary Frank Gaston (Collector Books,1983, $24.95); 2003 Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards, edited by BobLemke (Krause, 2002, $39.95).

Send letters to free-lance writer Glenn Erardi, c/o Chicago Sun-Times, Features Department, 401 N. Wabash, Chicago, IL 60611 or visithis Web site at www.askthecollector.com.