Q: Can you settle a disagreement that my wife and I have over a tin tray that I bought at a garage sale for $20? I think it might be worth something, and my wife says it's just "junque." The tray is round and has a picture of a young woman in the center. She is holding a rose and has her head turned a little to the side with a "come hither" expression on her face.
Her hair is long and wavy and she is wearing a low-cut gown. On the back of the tray are the words "Western Coca-Cola Bottling Co." What do you think?
A: I think you're a great shopper. Your tin tray is an example of Vienna Art Tin Plates. These tin plates featuring appealing young women were used to advertise promotional items in the early 1900s.
The plates were originally in ornate framed shadow boxes. Without the frame, yours would probably be worth about $225 to $300; with the frame, about $425 to $450.
Letters with picture(s) are welcome and may be answered in th column. We cannot reply personally or return pictures. Address your letters to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 490, Notre Dame, Ind. 46556.