Time will tell if election newspapers will sell for much

By Terry Maurer What's it Worth

Q. Finally I'm old enough to vote and was excited to cast my ballot in an historic election on November 4, 2008. I plan to save the Tri-City Herald of the morning after along with newspapers from Seattle and Chicago, which friends have sent me. Will they be collectible in years to come? Will they have significant value? -- Jane in Pasco

A. It's a great question and to help with the answer, What's It Worth went to the folks generally recognized as the best in the country in the field of collecting and valuing old newspapers.

We talked with Guy Hellenman, president of Rare Newspapers, a 30-year-old business headquartered in Williamsport, Pa.

He told us the "early buyer action" in Obama day-after election papers has been all over the map, insofar as sales are concerned. And, he noted, most of it has been online sales, primarily at eBay.

"We've seen a group of 600 Chicago Tribune papers sell for about $1,800 in the last few days ($3 each)," Hellenman said. "And, we've been seeing November 5 issues from other cities sell from about $10 up to several hundred."

He noted Rare Newspapers currently lists 2004 day-after election issues for $28 to $50, depending on the city. Will the Obama newspapers go up in value in years to come?

"Only time will tell," Hellenman said. "As is the case with all collectibles, buyer demand will set the mark. The degree to which collectors recognize or appreciate this election as being different from most, and the sheer quantity of issues hoarded last week will determine whether prices languish in the $10 to $25 range in the future or whether $75 might be a typical price," he said.

Hellenman struck a note of caution for folks who might be looking to "invest" rather than "collect" these historic newspapers.

"Looking forward 10 years, will those who bought Obama election newspaper last week consider they made bargain purchases?" He said only the passing of years, maybe decades, will determine that.

Hellenman joins with many antiques experts in advising people to collect what they love and not to buy items they hope might greatly increase in value in the future.

"When the potential investment value of a newspaper becomes the primary motivation for purchasing, rather than the intangible value of holding history in your hands, the joy of the hobby is sacrificed," he said.

And, always keep in mind, what goes up can come down. You might just as easily lose money as make money in this area.

Q. This small glass bowl, or maybe it's a dish, is orange in color and stands about four inches high. A friend told me it was "carnival glass," and I don't know anything about that. It was in my grandmother's house. What can you tell me? -- Fran in Benton City

A. This is an attractive piece of what collectors call carnival glass, a mold-pressed glass which was coated with a sodium solution before firing. The sodium gave the finished glass a lustre look, sort of like the high-end art glass that was being made in the early 20th century by Tiffany and others. Carnival glass is an American invention, first introduced in 1903.

Carnival was and is popular and many companies made it. Included were well-known firms like Fenton Art Glass, Northwood Glass Company, Westmoreland and Cambridge. Most pieces are from the 1920s or later but reissues and reproductions have been around since the 1970s.

This shape is called a "hat" by collectors and if you image the picture upside down you'll see why. The pattern on this piece is "Flowering Dill," which was introduced by Fenton in the 1920s.

Value of carnival glass is determined by rarity, color and -- of course -- condition. Marigold, the color of this piece, was one of the most popular hues and is commonly found today.

Carnival glass can be very expensive for pieces in seldom-seen patterns and in rare colors such as lavender, ice blue and red. Some examples have sold for thousands of dollars. Carnival also can be a relatively inexpensive way to start a collection of American glass. This ruffled edged hat would sell for $15 to $25.

w Terry Maurer, a Tri-Cities personal property appraiser and antique dealer, is a member of the Certified Appraisers Guild of America. You may submit your antiques and collectible questions to What's It Worth by e-mail to whatsitworth@clearwire.net

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Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008

Time will tell if election newspapers will sell for much

By Terry Maurer What's it Worth