Newbie wonders...value in play money? Old religios/political tracts?

smyle_b · Mar 6, 2013

Hi everyone! I'm brand new here. I know nothing about antiques and collectibles so am hoping some of you nice folks will share your expertise! My father-in-law used to love auctions and estate sales, and would buy just about anything. In one of his many "lots" was a box full of random paper items. Among the old recipe booklets and picture postcards we found a child's leather wallet full of play money. They are Grimland Inc. "Western Play Money", the paper bills in $5 and $10 "Buckaroos" denominations. No coins, only paper bills (which, seems to me, might carry more value as they would be harder to preserve

) We also found a stack of small booklets which are religious and political tracts. One is titled "A Christian View of Socialism" printed by Charles H. Kerr & Company, Chicago (no date). Another is titled "Oliver Cowdery's Defence and Renunciation" printed by Ashland Independent Pub. Co. 1906 and appears to be a reprint of "Defence in a Rehearsal of My Grounds for Separating Myself from the Latter Day Saints" by Oliver Cowdery that was printed in 1839. There are others as well. We also have some cardboard chits from F.G. Runnels Co. Store, Coolidge, Texas. So....any ideas, thoughts, feedback, advice on where to find some info on any of these items? I am particularly tickled by the play money. Probably because the last child who owned the wallet had left his hand drawn "i.d. card" inside...where he called himself Humpty Dumpty! :happysmiley:

Thx in advance for any guidance you can give!

Sandman · Mar 6, 2013

Most of us only collect stuff for our own enjoyment without any thought of selling it or any thinking of a profit. Sorry i couldn't be more help with your question.

Nirros · Mar 6, 2013

I have to agree with sandman......I picked a toy cash register a few years ago and inside I found play paper money and play coins......I still have it all in my bedroom.....I also pulled the cash drawer completely out and low and behold there in the back were 18 topps baseball bucks in fair condition.....monetary value is up there but I cant bring myself to sell them......I don't know why ....maybe because I only paid $20 for the register and I consider it a great achievement

btw I have yet to sell even my 6 5gallon buckets of scrap that I've dug.

smyle_b · Mar 6, 2013

It's not necessarily that I want to sell the items. In fact, I have sent many items out to folks I know will just get a real kick out of them. I am asking because I don't know if there is a market or interest anywhere for these collectibles. They are cool, but I would rather give them to someone who would truly love them. I just don't know who those people are or where to find them. That's what I want from you guys! Only interested in value if I have something really worth selling...mostly would just like to find the items good homes if they really are anything.