Finance: TREASURE HUNTERS

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Apr 14, 2002 | by JAMES BREESE

QA FRIEND has left me an old refrigerator which she had for 52 years, and was owned by her mother prior to that. It is white, in good order and is 54in high and 27in wide. It has a plate saying: "Made only by General Motors - Frigidaire". Any value? - Rob Walker, Waterlooville, Hampshire.

ATHE US were the first to sell fridges to the general public in 1913. It was invented by Fred Wolfe. In 1918 General Motors saw the potential, bought Wolfe's patents and the first Frigidaire was sold. All vintage, stylish fridges are sought-after. US design hero Raymond Lowey created the handle of your model. Fully reconditioned and working examples have sold in the recent past for pounds 550-pounds 650.

QI HAVE a fantastic 12in tall Batman toy robot. He is battery operated and made from metal with a plastic head. Although he is scratched, his cape is still in one piece. I'm certain he is from the 1960s. Could you value this please? - Mr Stephen Brandt, Bristol.

ATHIS is the Batman robot made by the Japanese toy company, Nomura. He is quite rare and certainly valuable. In 1999, a mint condition Machine Man was sold at Christie's for over pounds 25,000. For one in in medium condition like yours, expect pounds 600-pounds 700. For those starting a Batman collection, the popular Corgi gift sets with Batmobiles, Batcopters and Batboats will set you back pounds 60 a piece in a good box.