Even the most apathetic among the American populace usually stop to ponder who they'd like to see, or not see, as our country's next president at some point during a campaign. It's an American tradition.

For some folks, however, the red, white and blue memorabilia accompanying an election year provides more entertainment than a fleeting campaign ever could.

The Lure of Presidential Memorabilia

During a recent appraisal, a client asked me to value her objects based on what I thought she would realize if she sold them. After providing a value for a stamped brass sheet-covered wood box, she exclaimed, "That is less than I paid for it." If I heard this once, I have heard it a thousand times. What a person pays for an object is not a factor, except to that person, when selling it. The only value that matters is the price at which the object sells at a given moment in time.

QUESTION: I have a 1964-65 World’s Fair US Royal Tires Ferris Wheel battery-operated toy. It is made of plastic and still works. However, the battery compartment is somewhat corroded. I have the box in which it came and, to the best of my knowledge, it is complete. What is its value? – JK, Willoughby, OH, E-mail Question

“Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got,
Taking a break from all your worries, sure would help a lot.
Wouldn’t you like to get away?
Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
And they’re always glad you came….”

These words from Gary Portnoy’s and Judy Hart Angelo’s theme song for Cheers are especially cogent as the antiques and collectibles industry enters the final three months of 2008. Many in the trade, especially those buying and selling on eBay, are rapidly coming to the conclusion that no one knows their name or cares.

- The teddy bear dates back to 1902 when the Washington Post published a cartoon depicting President Teddy Roosevelt sparing a bear’s life.

- The first teddy bears were made by a shopkeeper’s wife. The small business they owned went on to become the Ideal Novelty and Toy Company.

- Both new and old bears are collectible, with some of the most desirable and expensive being produced by Steiff.

Keeping heirloom linens clean not only allows you to use them in your home, but protects them from damage.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 5-15 minutes per item
Here's How:

1. To remove surface dirt and dust, try carefully vacuuming the item on low suction with vents open.

2. Before storing, examine each linen for food and grease that may attract damaging insects or leave permanent stains.

The Early Years - 1840s Rare Beauties
by Kathy Turner of Virtu Doll

Doll collecting is one of the most active of collecting areas.

Properly displaying your antique quilts prevents damage while allowing you to enjoy them in your home.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15 minutes
Here's How:

1. Display quilts in areas where light levels are low and away from any bulbs that might damage the fibers.
The best way to display a quilt is by spreading it on an unused bed.

2. If you decide to hang a quilt in your home, plan to only leave it up for six months at a time.

First Some Quick Tips for Collecting Vintage Sheet Music:

- Sheet music was sold in mass quantities when new making it plentiful today.
- Vintage sheet music is primarily purchased based on the cover illustration.
- Recognizable stars, sports icons, historical events and pretty women are the most popular illustrations.
- Most old sheet music sells for $5 or less apiece these days.

The House of Christian Dior Summer Line of Millinery "inspired by the mystery and allure of Africa".