Little Value in Items of Occupied Japan

Question: I read somewhere that objects stamped “Made in Occupied Japan” have some monetary value. I have a few such objects.--M.S.

Answer: Following the end of World War II, Japan’s economy was in a shambles. In order to get needed currency, many Japanese crafts people and businesses produced pottery and an assortment of other products to be sold abroad. These pieces usually were marked “Made in Occupied Japan,” “Made in Japan” or simply “Japan.”

The products--including souvenirs, lamps, dinnerware and toys--eventually became collectible. From what we’ve seen in dealer catalogues, however, their value is relatively low, with few items approaching the $50 level.

An Occupied Japan Collectors Club is listed in one catalogue at 18309 Faysmith Ave., Torrance, Calif. 90504.

Animated art cels, which are pieces of art created to be photographed as a single frame for a film, are popular among thousands of collectors throughout the world. In sending us an announcement on its upcoming festival (see Date Book), the International Animated Film Society (5301 Laurel Canyon Blvd., No. 250, North Hollywood, Calif. 91607) also included collectible information about the value of cels.

In general, says the group, a cel will increase in value if:

--It’s certified as authentic by a reputable source.

--It’s a drawing of a well-known or “classic” animation figure.

--It was actually used in a film as opposed to promoting it.

--Its character is shown full-length or more than one character is shown.

--It has general historical value.

--Its condition is excellent.

--It is autographed by an animation person connected with the production.

--It is hand-traced in brush or pen rather than photocopied.

Long Beach collector Chuck Edwards said he enjoyed our recent column on how to preserve beer cans by punching two holes in the bottom of the can. “Drain into a handy receptacle and drink from that,” writes Edwards. “Waste not, want not.”

Additionally, Edwards says he’s “looking for any information or memorabilia on the great Harry Greb, the only middleweight to beat both Dempsey and Tunney.” He can be reached at (213) 598-7252.

Date Book

The 16th annual Animation Art Festival is scheduled for the weekend of Aug. 23 and 24, at the Westside Pavilion, 10800 W. Pico Blvd. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

More than 3,000 animation cels and drawings will be on sale from television shows, commercials and feature films, according to the event’s sponsor, the International Animated Film Society.

For further information, call (818) 508-5224.

The year is slipping away too fast; we’re already looking at fall collectible dates.

The American Society of Camera Collectors is preparing for its fall 1986 Collectible and Classic Camera Show, scheduled for Sept. 28. It will again be held at Machinists Hall, 2600 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank. Collectors can bring in their old cameras for free identification and appraisals. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Admission is $3.50.

“In conjunction with this show there will also be a classic-camera auction starting at 3 p.m., which will feature the turn-of-the-century collection of Harvey Dunn, well-known Encino CPA,” society president Gene Lester writes.

For more details, call (818) 769-6160.