What’s worth?
On Antiques & Collectables
Q
We are clearing my late mother-in-law’s house and have a gramophone player inside a dark wooden unit. It has spare needles and other bits and pieces with it and we are wondering how much it might be worth. Angela Clark, London
A
It’s difficult to say from the photo alone whether this is a sought-after original or a reproduction. I think you will need to get an in-person inspection or take more detailed photos to a specialist for a precise valuation. It may be a radiogram – a larger combination of wireless, speakers and gramophone. Either way, I imagine you’ll have something worth over €100 and possibly a lot more if it is the right name, condition and so forth. The first gramophone was created by Emile Berliner in 1887. A rare Edison phonograph sold for €34,000 at Christie’s, while an HMV model 202 gramophone made €16,000. Other names to look out for include Edison Bell, Decca and Columbia.
Q
I have a Michael Jackson doll in a clear plastic box. You press the front to play music. Is it of much value? Terry Mcgrath, via email
A
In a word, Yes! Four Michael Jackson dolls were produced from 1984 by LJN Toys Ltd. The most popular is called the American Music Awards. The other dolls were named Grammy, Thriller and Beat It. They stand 12ins tall and can make €100. More dolls were produced by Street Life/triumph International in 1997 and are worth from €75 to €150 or so.
Q
My Muffin the Mule finger puppet is old but in good condition and I’m hoping you can tell me what it is worth? Sandra Mullens, Maidstone, Kent
A
Even though 50,000 of these puppets were made, they still have a value – so a big thumbs-up from me. British firm MOKO produced the puppet from 1952-1955 in a die-cast alloy called Mazac. If boxed and in tidy condition you could be talking €100 to €175 at auction.