An antique toy iron stove. Crescent brand.

A political thimble from the Truman years.

An antique toy iron stove. Crescent brand.

Cast Iron Mini Stove: This miniature cast iron stove was in a box of miscellaneous items that I bought at a neighbor’s garage sale. She let me buy the piece before the sale opened. Is it a child’s toy or a salesman’s sample?

It says “Crescent” on the front and “USA” on the back. It has a decorated back. It includes a fry pan, a deep kettle, and an ash bucket. It measures 10 inches wide by 8-1/2 inches high and 5-1/2 inches deep.

I paid $25 for the box. What can you tell me about it?

Answer: You have a mini stove reproduction made in the 1950s of the antique originally made in the late 19th century.

In 1892, the Marshall Field catalog had a listing for this toy stove that could actually be used for cooking. American foundries began making these toy stoves in the 1840s.

Reproductions were made in the 1950s by several iron casting companies.

A collector could pay $200 or more for your reproduction.

A political thimble from the Truman years.

Political Thimbles: Look what I found in my late mother’s vintage sewing box. It is an old thimble inscribed “Harry Truman compliments of Mo. State Dem.”

It seems to be plastic and measures approximately 7/8 inch high by 3/4 inch wide. Does it have any value?

What can you tell me about the history of political thimbles?

Answer: Thimbles with political inscriptions go back decades. They first appeared after 1920 with the ratification of the 19th amendment, women’s suffrage, which guaranteed all women the right to vote.” Then-President Warren G. Harding began handing out thimbles to these new voters.

They are still being made in plastic and metal. Prices are low. Yours could sell to a collector for $60 or less.

Historians examine changes in Pennsylvania schoolhouses over time as the needs of educators and students alike changed. 

Furniture from the 1950s with metal pieces was originally cheap, but now these simple pieces are valuable collectors items.

Mexican tin work items have gone by many names, including "Santa Fe style," "hojalata" and "Spanish Colonial art." 

Authentic Bennington pottery objects, from figurines to kitchen wares, continue to be popular with Americana collectors. 

Collecting fads may come and go, but items decorated with historic American symbols still attract a new generation of current collectors.

Anne Gilbert is a private consultant doing antiques appraisals for a fee. She can be reached at 1811 Renaissance Commons Blvd., Unit 2310, Boynton Beach, FL 33426.

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