Antiques and collectibles Q&A.(Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service)

Q. I have always wanted an antique sword cane ever since I was a young man but could never locate one. There are two types _ one with the blade attached to the handle, and the other with a spring-loaded blade that emerges and retracts into the cane's tip. Can you provide me with any sources where I can possibly find such a cane? Also, where can I find books with cartoons by Virgil Partch, whose cartoons were published in Colliers magazine in the early 1940s? I've been looking for these items for 50 years. _Joe H. Tobiska, Rialto, Calif.

A. To try and obtain the sword cane you want, take a stab the following sources:

_Antique cane auctioneer and dealer Henry Taron (978-768-3327 or 978- 526-4085.) Web site:

http://www.tradewindsantiques.com/

_Antique cane auctioneers Joel & Michael Malter (888-784-2131 toll free). Web site:

http://www.maltergalleries.com/

_Antique cane dealers Beaver Brothers Antiques (415-863-4344).

_Antique walking stick specialist Liela Nelson (800-442-2637).Web site:

http://www.walkingstickworld.com/

_Antique decorative and defense walking stick dealer Kim Robertson (215-297-5068).

_Antique cane specialist Keil's Antiques (504-522-4552). Web site:

http://www.keilsantiques.com/

_Antique cane specialist M.S. Rau Antiques (800-544-9440). Web site:

http://www.rauantiques.com/

_Antique cane trader Gary Wiley (940-482-5933.) Web site:

http://www.canetrader.com/

A terrific book that pictures, describes, and prices antique canes _ including gadget types made hold and hide everything from weapons to whiskey _ is "Canes Through the Ages _ With Value Guide" by Francis H. Monek. It is available for $83.45 postpaid from L-W Book Sales, P.O. Box 69, Gas City, IN 46933. Or phone 1-800-777-6450 to order.

To check out books with Virgil Partch cartoons write the National Cartoonists Society, Columbus Circle Station, P.O. Box 20267, New York, NY 10023. Web site:

http://www.reuben.org/

Also write Molly Kiely c/o The Cartoon Art Museum, 814 Mission St., 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103. Phone 415-546-3922 or 415-227-8666. Web site:

http://www.cartoonart.org/

When writing enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for each to receive a reply. Or any reader who has the items you want can write me to contact you.

Q. Can you tell me if Mrs. Butterworth's brown figural syrup bottles have any value? I found some in the garage that my mother saved because of their charm. _Miranda Phillips, Lima, Ohio

A. Mrs. Butterworth's brown glass syrup bottles measuring 8 {-inches high are reported to be worth between $4 and $8 each depending on their condition. However, a somewhat shorter Mrs. Butterworth's syrup bottle measuring 8 \-inches high, but being made of green glass instead, has a reported value of a sweet $1,000.

Q. I have inherited several solid bronze Franklin Mint collector sets of coins. These were offered by Shell Oil through Shell dealers in the late 1960s or early 1970s. How can I find out if they have any value? _Priscilla Newman, Highland, Calif.

A. To check out such coins or any other items put out by the Franklin Mint, write Rich Hartzog c/o World Exonumia, P.O. Box 4143, Rockford, IL 61110-0643. Enclose a description of the coins, and a long self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply or list of items Hartzog buys. Or phone him at 815-226-0771.

To find a links for everything relevant to gas and oil collecting that exists on the Internet, visit the most comprehensive site for Petroliana collectors Web site: www.oldgas.com Also check out Check the Oil Magazine _ The Publication Dedicated to Petroliana and More, published bimonthly for $22 per year, or $4 for a sample copy from "Check the Oil", P.O. Box 937, Powell, OH 43065-0937. Or phone 800-228-6624 to order.

Q. I inherited several volumes of stamp collections. Where can I find information as to their value, and how can I possibly sell them? _Mary Rasmussen, Morrilton, Ark.

A. A terrific book that fully describes and explains all U.S. stamps issued from 1845 to 2001, and which pictures 5,800 black and white examples, and includes 10,000 stamp listings with more than 25,000 prices, along with stamp booklets, and Allied Military Government stamps, plus lots more, is the 2002 Krause-Minkus "Standard Catalog of U.S. Stamps _ 5th Edition" edited by Maurice D. Wozniak. (Krause Publications; 888-457-2873, Ext. 880).

It is available online, in bookstores, or for $29.95 postpaid from Krause Publications, 700 E. State St., Iola, WI 54990-0001.

Q. I have several straight razors that belonged to my father who died in 1935 at age 44. How can I find out their value, and would you know of anyone who collects such items? _L.H. Hall, Chesapeake, Va.

A. You'll find hundreds of such razors from here and abroad, pictured, described, and priced along with the history of shaving, how to determine your razors' age, and tips on appraising them, in the revised and updated 2nd edition of the "Standard Guide to Razors _ Identification and Values," by Ron Steward and Roy Ritchie (Collector Books; 800-626-5420). It is available online, in bookstores, or for $12.95 postpaid from Collector Books, P.O. Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002-3009.

Collectors who wants straight razors with fancy or figural handles of gold, sterling silver, mother-of-pearl, or other decorative material, include Charles Stapp, who can be reached at 812-923-3483, and William Campesi at 516-546-9630.

Q. I'm moving, and while looking through a box of my "stuff" stored in the attic, I found some old peace medals on chains and other such jewlery with the peace symbol. Would such items (from my younger years) have any value today? _Peggy Crawford, Stockton, Calif.

A. Such jewelry and other "peace, love, and dove" adornments from the 1960s and '70s included necklaces on chains or leather strings, along with rings, chokers, and pins reported to be worth between $10 and $15 for common pieces, and between $20 and $25 for pieces that are harder to find. Leather wristbands or headbands embellished with metal peace symbols attached, are reported to be worth between $5, $8, and $10 depending on condition and the quality of the leather. Such leather bands usually have sweat stains, which would lower their value.

NOTE: Exceptional collections of rare, sought after, and early dolls, along with Bliss and Victorian doll houses, hard to find mechanical and still banks, and other toys will be auctioned on July 20 at Skinner's Auction at Bolton Gallery on Rt. 117in Bolton, MA. Illustrated catalogues No. 2153 (which includes a post price key) are $29 postpaid, and can be ordered by phoning 978-779-6241. Or visit Web site:

http://www.skinnerinc.com/

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(Write Anita Gold, P.O. Box 597401, Chicago, Ill. 60659; enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. Due to the high volume of mail, not all letters can be answered, but priority will be given to those that include a copy of the column and the name of the paper in which it ran.)

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(c) 2002, Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.