Old Lottery Tickets May Offer a Payoff

Question: In case anyone thought that lotteries were a product of modern history, they’re wrong. I collect lottery tickets and have several that were printed in the 19th Century. Some are from New England, others from the South. Do they have much value?--M.W.

Answer: You’re right. Lotteries in this country date back at least to the 19th Century when government used them as a vehicle to supplement taxes and raise additional revenues.

An example of one recent catalogue listing shows that lottery tickets printed in Rhode Island more than 140 years ago have changed hands for more than $20.

And, according to dealers, it’s not unusual for old tickets, in good condition, to sell for at least $10 each. Also contributing to value is the quality of the lottery paper and any unusual designs on the ticket.

In general, gambling items--the collectible category in which lottery tickets fall--have become increasingly popular in recent years. Among the most sought-after items are those associated with the history of the American West.

For example, card decks, roulette wheels and the like that might have been used in Western saloons and that have the name of a Western-based manufacturer on them have brought healthy prices.

Finding early manufacturers’ catalogues of gambling equipment is often difficult but worth the effort because they give collectors a picture of what to look for and how to restore damaged items. They also serve as a reference to the companies that produced the equipment and approximate dates of production.

Mailbag

A collectibles reader wants information on how to acquire football cards produced, sponsored and/or sanctioned by the National Football League.

Another reader would like the name of a club with members who collect license plates. Be sure to include the full address and telephone number.

Bookshelf

Three new collectors books, all paperbacks, have been published by the House of Collectibles (201 E. 50th St., New York, N.Y. 10022) and are being distributed by Ballantine Books, a division of Random House. They are:

--”Antique & Modern Dolls” by Julie Collier (4th edition, 468 pages, illustrated and indexed, $11.95). The book is divided into two major sections, classifying dolls by material and type. Additionally, the introduction contains brief sections on market trends, restoration and how to take care of your collection.

--”Comic Book Price Guide” by Robert M. Overstreet (No. 19, 520 pages, illustrated, $12.95). The preface contains a 1988 market report by the author, plus hints on restoration and storage.

--”Science Fiction and Fantasy Collectibles” by Don and Maggie Thompson (3rd edition, 482 pages, illustrated and indexed, $12.95). Contains opening chapters on history of the literature and collecting and evaluating science fiction.

Soble cannot answer mail personally but will respond in this column to questions of general interest about collectibles. Do not telephone. Write to Your Collectibles, You section, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.