I came across a "Fulton Benjamin Franklin Junior Printer #50" set in its original box. It comes with ink, razors, moveable text, etc and I anticipate it is at least 80 years old. I've been looking in antique guides to determine value but no luck. Any suggestions? Thanks--

-- Holly Keris (Hollymoas@aol.com), January 04, 2000

Answers

What you've found is nowadays referred to as a "technical" antique; these include old typewriters, printers and even irons. It is difficult to value them, as their market is small and quite specific. But don't let the number of buyers fool you: it is a brisk, competitive field and the value of any item depends on who wants it. The leading auction house in this genre seems to be, consistently, Auction Team Koln in Cologne, Germany (please contact me at the email address given for the number of their US representative). They may be able to help you determine what your printer is worth.

-- Liza Montgomery (liza@thebee.com), January 04, 2000.