December 2017

Updated on 30 Nov 2017

Dear Gary,

I have some old Alice in Wonderland Christmas Crackers with some wooden fairy lights.

We still get them out at Christmas to show our grandchildren. Our granddaughter thinks they could be worth something. What do you think?

Thank you, Joan

Dear Joan,

These are lovely examples of older style Christmas decorations and are quite collectable.

I think you may be surprised to learn that they may sell between £250-300.

Hope that cheers you up at this festive time!

Hi Gary

I have enclosed some photos of the (undated but very old) paperback version of The Expert at the Card Table which belongs to my husband Kevin Flaherty. The book is disintegrating but I am sure all the pages are there. Please could you let me know if this is of interest to you.

Thanks, Kevin and Jill Flaherty

Dear Kevin and Jill,

Thank you for your email.

The Expert at the Card Table is one of the most famous and carefully studied books ever published on magic and conjuring with cards. It was often used for manipulating cards at gaming tables. It was first published in 1902 by Erdnase whose real identity was unknown. Its influence was such that it has been translated into many languages and a series of DVDs has been produced. A first edition book in good condition can sell up to £1000. Due to the poor condition of your book and depending on the edition, yours may not be worth a lot. But what an interesting item to own!

Dear Gary

I have several bone China plates that were left to me several years ago by my Aunt, who sadly passed away. They are all in the loft some of which I can’t get to without moving loads of stuff, but there are 5 plates that I can easily get to. So I wondered if you could possibly give me rough idea as to any value that these 5 plates may or may not have. The remaining plates I will get to another day.

PLATE NUMBER 1 : Is bone China, 12 & half inches in diameter, on the back it says Remoir, Deux soeurs. Decorative design by MBIE Germany and it is number 763 of a limited addition of 1,000. The plate is in excellent condition.

PLATE NUMBER 2 : Is bone China, 10 & half inches in diameter, on the back it says Royal Worcester and it is The North Ridings plate and is the second plate in a series of three.

The plate is in excellent condition.

PLATE NUMBER 3 : Is bone China, 10 & half inches in diameter, it is City of Leeds centenary plate 1893 – 1993. Royal Worcester of a limited edition of 2,500. Also says Peter Jones China Leeds. The plate is in excellent condition.

PLATE NUMBER 4 : Is bone China, 7 & half inches in diameter. It is to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth 2nd 1952 – 1977 and is a limited edition of 10,000. It is Crown Staffordshire and designed by J. A. Bailey. The plate is in excellent condition.

PLATE NUMBER 5 : Is bone China, 7 & half inches in diameter. It is to commemorate the 80th birthday of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother 4th August 1980 and is a limited edition of 5,000 and is Staffordshire fine bone China. The plate is in excellent condition.

Dear Michael,

Thank you for your email.

Limited edition plates were very popular and collectable in the 1970’s -80’s and many people had them on their walls at that time. Many manufacturers including Royal Worcester, Wedgwood and others were sold by The Bradford Exchange who convinced buyers they were a good investment for the future. Unfortunately fashions have changed and today they are of little interest to the new generation of collectors. Lots of these plates are appearing on the market which is reducing their saleability and value.

My advice is to keep them as hopefully they will have their time of popularity again in the future.

Hello Gary,

I have acquired a trainset from the 1980’s from a relative.

Is it of any value?

Thank you, Peter.