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Antiques: Guardian cookware, vintage records, Viewmasters

Question: I have six pieces of Guardian cookware, complete with their original glass lids. My mom bought them sometime during the late 1940s or early '50s. Can you tell me more about this cookware and whether it is collectible? -- Beth, Goodyear

Answer: Guardian Service cookware is made of heavy-duty aluminum construction, and its main selling point was that food could be prepared quickly using very little water.

The cookware was introduced during the 1930s by the Century Metalcraft Co. of Los Angeles and sold by independent salesmen who went door-to-door and staged house parties, much like Tupperware. Guardian cookware was expensive. An entire set would cost about $2,000 in today's dollars.

To find out more, check out

I have seen dozens of pieces in shops throughout the city, including a roaster with domed lid, $85; a triangular pot with glass lid, $45; a rare gravy boat, $30; and a stock pot, $95.

Buy of the Week

This tin plate (pictured above) promoted the presidential campaign of William H. Taft in 1908. The images are Taft with his running mate, James D. Sherman. This political rarity was spotted at the Antique Trove, 2020 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, and is $175.

Q: I have a 78-rpm Decca recording of "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby. Is it valuable? -- Steve, Paradise Valley

A: It is ironic that one of the most cherished and recorded Christmas songs was penned by a Jewish composer soaking up the sunshine poolside at a Phoenix resort.

During the winter of 1939, Irving Berlin was enjoying a working vacation at the Arizona Biltmore as he rushed to complete the music for "Holiday Inn," a Crosby film being planned by Paramount.

As Berlin basked in the sun, he wrote the lyrics to "White Christmas." In an interview with an Arizona Republic reporter, Berlin revealed Arizona's warmth was much more inspirational to him than the frigid winters of New York City.

Not even he realized it would become one of the most famous pieces of American music. "White Christmas" is considered one of the most valuable music copyrights in the world and has been recorded by more than 350 artists, with Crosby's cut for Decca selling at least 45 million copies.

That said, your 78-rpm recording, Decca 18429 issued in 1942, is worth about $5.

Q: I have kept my old Viewmaster viewer and reels that I had when I was a boy during the 1950s. The reels mostly feature views of National Parks. Do they have any value? -- Bill, Apache Junction

A: Mike Aversa, owner of Aversa Estate & Appraisal Services, has a large collection of Viewmaster Viewers, reels, Stereoscopes and stereocards. He can appraise your reels and has agreed to help you.

Aversa is an active member of the National Stereoscope Association. Contact him at P.O. Box 863, Yorba Linda, CA 92886, and 714-777-3848.

Q: I inherited a large coin collection from my uncle. Since I know nothing about the value of collectible coinage, can you help me? -- Stan, Moon Valley

A: The Coin Gallery has been in the same Phoenix location for more than 30 years, and it has an excellent reputation. Tim Forsyth can help you determine the value of your collection. Contact him at 4224 W. Dunlap, and 602-368-1945.

Q: I have two wonderful Skookum Indian dolls that my grandparents bought for me in Oklahoma during the 1950s. They are in excellent condition and still have the original labels on the bottoms of the moccasins.

I understand that they have become collectible and hope you can provide me with more information. -- Nancy, Moon Valley

A: The Skookum Dolls were introduced during the 1920s by Mary McAboy of Missoula, Mont., and marketed by the Arrow Novelty Co. What made the dolls unique were their heads made of dried apples.

The apple heads were later replaced by composition ones, and even later by plastic noggins. The costumes represented various Native American tribes, and dolls were sold as souvenirs rather than playthings.

Size matters. For example an 8-inch doll with a composition head is worth about $250; plastic, $150. On the other hand, a 36-inch doll generally sells for more than $3,000.

Condition is extremely important. A damaged doll is worth much less than one in near-mint condition.

Q: I have Beanie Babies and wonder how I can sell them. My collection includes Weenie the dachshund, Congo the gorilla, Bessie the cow, Hoppity the pink rabbit and Freckles the leopard, in addition to about two dozen others. I originally paid $50 and more for some of them. -- Carol, Sun City

A: I am spilling the beans when I tell you that Beanie Babies were a flash in the collector's pan.

I understand many of the complex mysteries of life, but I simply can't explain the 1990s popularity of Beanie Babies, which were the creation of Ty Warner. They were an instant collecting fad that ended when the decade came to a close.

Fads are fads, and I'm talking to you Cabbage Patch dolls, POGs and fast-food toys. Fad collectibles often end up neglected and unloved in boxes at garage sales.

I found dozens of Beanie Babies available on eBay, but I don't recommend stocking up on them, because these "instant collectibles" are merely bags filled with beans or plastic pellets. Sewing on a trunk doesn't make a tricked-out bag of "beans" an elephant. Selling them can be extremely difficult in today's market.


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antiques Larry Cox

Top: The Buy of the Week, a political tin plate. Bottom: This triangular Guardian Service pot has a metal lid. Others have glass lids. The heavy-duty aluminum pieces were originally sold door-to-door and at house parties.

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