Hello everyone. I just joined this forum and hope to find some good information and learn some things. I will start with this. We are fairly new to buying antiques and collectibles and reselling some. We go to estate sales, yard sales, auctions and everything in between. I have been researching books and cannot find one suitable. Most seem geared to the really high end items. I need to find a decent affordable book or books for us to use. I do this as a hobby for me because I am disabled with stage 4 colon cancer and it keeps me busy, I also love oil lamps, Carnival Glass and Depression Glass. I do keep more than I sell, lol. I need something that covers those and a few other categories, like cut glass, flatware, Vaseline Glass, cookie jars, milk glass, ceramics.. I think you get the picture. Basically items the everyday person can find and afford. I hope someone can help with the answer to this.

Now I have a real stumper. I purchased this cookie jar at an auction. It is a female bear and on the bottom it says "Bear Cookie Jar - Franklin Porcelain © FP81". I have researched, called several collectors, the Cookie Jar Museum and more, not one person knows anything about this. I was told Franklin Mint made it, they do not know, I was told a company called Franklin Porcelain Mfg. made it, I find info on a very old, long closed company but no history on its products. I had one dealer tell me she gives them away because they are worthless. She may be right, may not be right. I am wondering if there is a chance someone here might now. Here is a link to my pictures, if you cannot see them let me know.


I appreciate any help. If I get some response I may post some other items I have. Thank you so very much.

I tried to include the links but it did not work. Here is a link to the album with pictures of the bear. http://photobucket.com/bearcookiejar

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I need to find a decent affordable book or books for us to use.

I have done what you are doing, for many years. I would discourage your attempt to find a single book that would cover your interests or finds. Or even a specialized book for every category! Such an animal does not exist. With the internet you have all the info you need at your fingertips and a book is really only for browsing or enjoyment. They soon are outdated and obsolete.

I do have one book I have used a lot that is in one of your categories. It is a book on silver plated flatware. It gives the patterns and the dates they were introduced. But any pricing is out of date and like any book not applicable to every area! I have a huge collection of flatware and like to give a potential buyer the name of the pattern.

Through what venue do you resell?

I am sorry for your health diagnosis and wish you the best with your health and with your new endeavor.

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I need something that covers those and a few other categories

Before purchasing multiple books, use your local library. If one branch doesn't have a specific book, the Librarian can order from another branch. Another option might be to attend glass & porcelain collector's club meetings & shows; talk to club members - IMO a more reliable source to estimate regional value.

Best wishes