Cold Facts About Hot Hobby
Question: I collect old ice cream scoops and related soda fountain stuff. When were scoops first used?--T.W.
Answer: Cone-shaped ice cream scoops began appearing in shops shortly after the Civil War.
Just as popular among collectors are the mechanical ice cream scoops and other ice cream-related items manufactured after World War I, many of which displayed advertising.
Collecting soda fountain items is a highly popular pastime that has remained relatively inexpensive. For example, recent flea market and dealer prices have pegged old mechanical scoops with wooden handles in the $25-$30 range.
However, not everything connected with the soda fountain culture can be picked up so cheaply, not by a long shot. Example: Soda fountain signs, also highly collectible for their nostalgia value, can easily cost about $200.
But even these high-priced items are in big demand among collectors. They evoke images of another era, when the soda fountain was a neighborhood center for socializing and conversation and a welcome oasis on a sweltering day.
Collector News
With February, 1989, marking the 25th anniversary of the Beatles’ arrival in America, Rick Rann of Branyan Press believes there’ll be a revival of interest in the group and its collectibles. His firm has just published a 258-page book on Beatles items, The Beatles Memorabilia Price Guide, which contains listings for more than 900 items, including more than 600 photos. Price: $22.95 (including postage). Rann says Branyan Press also publishes a Beatles catalogue of items for sale. His address: Branyan Press, P.O. Box 764, Elburn, Ill. 60119; telephone (312) 442-7907.
The American Society of Camera Collectors has scheduled its spring used and collectible camera show for March 5 at Machinists Hall, 2600 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank. Admission: $4 ($1 discount coupons available at camera shops, photo labs and from the society). Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. You may bring old cameras or any photographic equipment for free appraisal. Write the society’s president, Gene Lester, at 4918 Alcove Ave., North Hollywood, Calif. 91607, or call (818) 769-6160.