I have a doodle self-portrait drawn by, signed and dated by Ronald Reagan. Value?
— Linda, Tucson
The reader adds that the drawing is also marked Air Force One.
If the intent is to sell, I'd contact major auction houses that have specialty sales of books and manuscripts. If value is the issue, the item calls for a credentialed appraiser.
A unique piece of ephemera such as this calls for a specialist qualified to judge variables such as authenticity and circumstances of when, where and how it was made. The value could be significant, depending on how and where the piece sells.
FYI: To find a professional appraiser in your area, go to: www.appraisersassoc.org, www.isa-appraisers.org or www.appraisers.org.
My Hummel figurines were bought overseas at a U.S. forces exchange in Germany. Many are signed by Goebel master artisans. Periodically, Goebel sends master artisans to military exchange stores around Germany to promote and sign the figurines. Do the signatures add value?
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— Charles, Williamsburg, Va.
In 2008, Goebel stopped production of the M.I. Hummel line. Last February, production resumed under another German manufacturer.
In the past, Goebel artisans visited retailers in the United States (plus military exchanges) to demonstrate artistry and sign pieces for buyers. The meet-and-greet events were hugely popular. It is unknown if the new maker will continue the tradition.
Linda Kruger of the Collectors Information Bureau, an Iowa trade association of limited-edition collectibles manufacturers, told us, "Generally, artist signatures on Hummel figurines have not increased their value on the secondary market."
Smart collectors will note that this is contrary to the general rule on signed pieces. Nuances like this make collecting interesting!
An exception, Kruger said, is if the Hummel is part of a limited edition. That can have an effect on value, "especially if the limited edition is truly small enough to be found on the secondary market."
It's a chicken-and-egg situation: Do demand and limited supply affect value, or is it the artist signature? Your call.
I have eight razor blade vending machines (along with refill blades) from the late 1950s. Would a collector be interested in buying? How should I sell them?
— Larry, Plantation, Fla.
The Blade-O-Mat machine seen in images appears to be in pristine condition, so I assume the machines are vendor stock. Collectors call vintage items found in bulk and intact "new old stock." Images don't indicate if these are wall-hanging or counter machines.
I'd start research with a local dealer who specializes in vintage rec-room items such as Coke or Pepsi machines, neon clocks, jukeboxes, etc. A visit will indicate prices on similar vending machines. Ask if they buy. Can't hurt!
If that comes up dry, Google vintage vending machines. Look them up on eBay.We found a vintage Gillette blade coin-op on eBay starting at $150.
Here's a great example of why spending a few dollars to check a price database can pay. Because consigning to an advertising auction is another possibility, we checked www.artfact.com to learn that last March, Morphy Auctions in Pennsylvania (www.morphyauctions.com) sold vending machines for $293 and $263.
Danielle Arnet welcomes questions from readers. She cannot respond to each one individually, but will answer those of general interest in her column. Send e-mail to smartcollector@comcast.net or write to Danielle Arnet c/o Tribune Media Services, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60611. Please include an address in your query. Photos will not be returned.
3/4 AUCTION ACTION
The late Michael Jackson's illuminating white glove, worn onstage in his 1984 Victory Tour, will be sold in October in a Profiles in History auction. Specially designed for Jackson, the glove — covered with bugle beads and Austrian crystal rhinestones — has 50 minilights powered by a single 9-volt battery in the glove cuff. Bulbs are wired on separate circuits, so they twinkle at random. The glove, from the singer's suit of lights, is one of only two made and sells with a letter of authenticity by the maker. A Profiles in History spokesman told us bidding starts at $60,000 to $80,000 but "could push a million."