Your Money: TREASURE HUNTER

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Dec 9, 2007 | by JAMES BREESE

Q I HAVE a James Dean record in which he plays the conga drums. It was made sometime in the Fifties and is in good condition. Have you any idea how much it is worth ? - David Curry, by email

A THIS is a rare collectors' item. It's even featured in the official Dean Museum in his hometown of Fairmount, Indiana. James Dean remains to this day one of the most iconic of all the movie greats, despite his short-lived career as he starred in three classic films, Rebel Without A Cause, Giant and East Of Eden. The record was released in late 1957 and the B-side featured James simply chatting with his friends. Your boxed set should include a charcoal drawing of Dean. If all are in excellent condition, then a collector would pay pounds 150 to pounds 200 or perhaps more.

Q WHILE clearing out my mother's house I came across a Royal Doulton Coronation Loving Cup made for Courage. I have checked their website and it has the B9 crest mark. I presume it was originally given to my grandfather as he was in the licensed trade. Is it of any value? - Sandra Kilford, by email

A YOUR two-handled cup was commissioned by the Courage Brewery for the Coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953. I don't think it was a limited edition and quite a few would have been made. It was designed by Milner Gray and is six inches in height and nine inches from handle to handle. It has a lovely braided set of handles. On one side is the Queen astride a horse with the words "Here's A Health Unto Her Majesty". A dealer could currently sell this piece of Royal memorabilia for pounds 80 to pounds 90, although I've seen one or two at auctions for under pounds 50.

Q ARE my wall plates worth putting in an auction or the bin? They are Wedgwood and issued under the title Country Days. They are in mint condition and come with the original packaging - Malcolm Smith, by email

A JOSIAH Wedgwood was the social-reforming young businessman who started the firm in Staffordshire in 1759. Early successes included the Creamware range, which became so popular that Catherine the Great of Russia ordered a 1,000- piece service. Jasperware (Neo- Classical style) was another early triumph and is still produced by the company to this day. Your plates are elegant collectors' items which were based on artwork by Chris Howells.

The limited edition was more time limited. They were only produced over 55 firing days. They are bone china and feature various scenes from English landscapes and villages of days gone by. They have names like The Apple Pickers and Early Morning Milk. They should all have the special Wedgwood stamp on the base and with the boxes will usually command pounds 20-pounds 30 each. If you have say five, then you are looking at over pounds 100.

These might be more desirable in years to come.

Q WOULD you please give me an idea of the value of a 14in Flambe Royal Doulton Tiger? It is in a stalking pose.

- Johan Yorstan, by email

A ROYAL Doulton first exhibited their Flambe wares - with the fiery red finishes - in 1904.

Look out for figurines in the range like the Red Tortoise (small version), which can make pounds 2,000 or more. The Pelican is even rarer and costs pounds 2,500-plus. You have model number HN1082. This is the extra large version and is a superb and very collectable figurine. If it is in good condition with no chips or scratches and if it bears the initials of the designer, Fred Moore, on its paw, then we are talking anywhere from pounds 350 to pounds 450.

The crouching Tiger (HN225) is worth even more.

Send questions to Treasure Hunters, Sunday Mirror, 1 Canada Square, London E14 5AP or email j.breese@sundaymirror.co.uk - sorry, but he can't reply personally. Visit www.jamesbreese.co.uk