What’s it worth?
JAMIE BREESE On Antiques & Collectables
Q We have a copper kettle which was given to my grandad in the 1930s when he was a stevedore on Newcastle quayside. It has the head of Baden Powell – founder of the Scouts – as the lid handle and it is engraved with the dates of the Boer War battle of Mafeking. What would it be valued at? Diane Conder, via email
A It is heavy gauge copper, weighs a chunky 4lbs and is indeed a rare Victorian antique. The Baden Powell finial is the standout feature, of course. The underside should be impressed with the logo for manufacturer W. Souter and Sons of Birmingham. This is a great find and certainly, subject to inspection, you’re looking at €465 to €700 for insurance purposes.
Q I have four Beswick penguin figures in fine condition. The female is carrying a parasol, the male has a walking stick and there are two babies. Are they particularly collectable? Michael Woodward, Acton, London
A Well, it is hard to p-p-p-pick up a penguin set like this in great condition. Almost all examples I have seen have been marked in some way or other. So if yours are in good shape the set could be worth €60-90. Beswick was founded in 1894 and specialised in animal figurines like these.
Q I have two HMV gramophone record players – one black, one green – which I would like to value and sell. Ellis Lopez, Hackney A I imagine you have the wind-up type, maybe with the classic “horn” amplifier. If an earlier model, each needle lasts for only a few plays, but you can still buy packets of them for a few quid from specialist shops. If complete and original, even the smaller portable types can fetch €115 or more. If you have the tabletop type, you could be looking at hundreds of euro.