Electric bridge table may be worth thousands

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Electric bridge table may be worth thousands

Around Osceola

Wednesday, 21 July 2010 00:00

Q: I have an electric bridge table manufactured by the Hammond organ company sometime during the 1930s. I have tried researching it but haven't been able to find out much. Can you help me? — Sherry, Albuquerque, N.M.
A: The Model 4H Electric Bridge Table was introduced by the Hammond Clock Company in 1932. Concealed within the table is a mechanism that automatically deals four 13-card bridge hands, all without the need to shuffle the deck. Since the device was marketed during the early years of the Great Depression and was expensive, they are extremely rare. I spoke to several experts, and they seem to agree that your table is probably worth "several thousand dollars."
To find out exactly how much, the time has come to hire a good appraiser. When hiring an appraiser, don't hesitate to ask for references and his or her field of expertise. An appraiser who is an expert on pottery might not be all that helpful when it comes to bridge tables.
Q: I have a Pepsi figurine that was made in Germany. How can I establish how much it might be worth? — Minnie, Fairport, N.Y.
A: One of the earliest Pepsi advertising slogans was "For Brain Fag and Body Drag," used in about 1905. Others followed, including "Pepsi Cola Hits the Spot" (1930s), "A Big OK, From the USA" (WWII-era), and "Be Socialable, Have a Pepsi" (1950s). I was unable to find your item referenced in Soda Pop Collectors Price Guide by Allan Petretti (Krause, $34.99), and suggest a dealer who specializes in soft-drink memorabilia. Here are three: Kim and Mary Kokles, P.O. Box 495092, Garland, TX 75049; Noel Barrett, P.O. Box 1001, Carversville, PA 18913; and William Morford, RD No. 2, Cazenovia, NY 13035.
Q: Where can I learn more about four Beatles records I have from the 1960s? — H.B., Albuquerque, N.M.
A: One of the better references is the Goldmine Standard Catalogue of American Records 1950-1975, compiled by Tim Neely (Krause, $34.99). This hefty 1,375-page guide lists more than 150,000 pop, country, rock, rhythm and blues, and, yes, Beatles recordings. You also might want to scan "The Beatles Digest," published by Krause.
Write to Larry Cox in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to questionsforcox@aol
.com. Do not send any materials requiring return mail.