Your Money: TREASURE HUNTERS

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Nov 18, 2007 | by JAMES BREESE

Q I HAVE a Royal Doulton Loving Cup made to celebrate the marriage of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981. It is a limited edition of 5,000 and the authenticity certificate gives the number of 4758, although I have not got the box it was in. How much is it worth? - Ms Valerie Ryder, via e-mail

A COLLECTING Royal memorabilia is one of the most absorbing of all hobbies because of the sheer range of items and the international nature of the collectors' market. The Americans are keen buyers as are individuals from Commonwealth countries. Roughly 42 per cent of all commemorative wares are exported. Those who buy to make a quick buck are often disappointed with the sometimes small increases in value over the years. Charles and Diana wedding items, however, are of particular interest these days. Today, around pounds 40 would secure you a replacement from a Royal memorabilia dealer, so insure yours for pounds 50. It will probably appreciate further in value in years to come.

Q I HAVE a Sylvac figurine which looks like a cocker spaniel - number 2950. My son bought it for me when he went on a school holiday in the 1970s. He also bought a Scottie dog for my late mother (number 1378). Both are in perfect condition. When my mother passed away last year we came across another Scottie dog (which she had bought from a car boot sale) which is green in colour. On the bottom of the figurine is printed RD No 1205. I would be interested to know if any of these dogs are of any value? - Mrs Pat Fenlon, via email

A THERE are several different sizes for these dogs and this affects the value. Also they need to be in superb condition to make the most money. The first figure is worth around pounds 10-pounds 20 currently. The second piece is a terrier and in the fawn colour is worth pounds 20-pounds 30 today. The green Scottie is unusual as it normally comes in white or beige. Green is a very unusual colour and it could be worth at least pounds 100. This might be worth a personal inspection as there are copies about. In brown/fawn he makes around pounds 30-pounds 40.

Q DO you have any info on Swarovski crystal? I have three pieces called the Out of Africa Collection, which I bought in 1994/5/6. It consists of a lion, a kudu and an elephant. The elephant has been engraved by the man who designed the collection. Any help would be most welcome. - Mr. Brian Peppitt, Plymouth, Devon.

A YOUR pieces were inspired by genuine African wood-carvings and are now retired. They are original, hand-finished creations in full cut Swarovski Crystal. I think you actually have the annual Inspiration African pieces 1993-95. The first was the elephant, introduced at the Swarovski Gala in 1993 at Disney World. I have seen this sell online for over pounds 500. The kudu alone from 1994 makes over pounds 250 with the box. The lion from 1995 makes around pounds 200. In good condition, these pieces are very collectable today.