Antiques and collectibles Q&A.(Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service)

ta Gold

Q. How can I find out more about "Harry Potter" books and collectibles? _Sherlyn Malloy, Stockton, Calif.

A. Nothing is hotter than "Harry Potter" books, items and objects. A terrific new book with color pictures, descriptions, history, and prices (and upcoming items) is "Harry Potter Collectibles, 2000-01 Collectors Value Guide" (LW Books /(765) 674-6450) available for $12.95 postpaid from Ace Enterprises, P.O. Box 59354, Chicago, Ill. 60659. No doubt, once out of print, the book too will become a collectible.

Q. Where can I possibly get a copy of the old song "Deck of Cards" recorded by Tex Ritter that I'm told brings tears to one's eyes? _Lillian Shannon, Lima, Ohio

A. This stirring, and soulful World War II song about a soldier who used a deck of cards for his Bible, was recorded first by Ritter and later by Phil Harris. Both recordings, transferred from the original records, are available as a pair on a cassette for $9 postpaid from George Silha (to whom checks should be made payable) c/o The House Of Music, 2057 W. 95th St., Chicago, Ill. 60643-1129. Silha also offers a "Giants of Jazz Sampler" (CD for $11 postpaid or cassette for $13.50 postpaid) and "Sophie Tucker's All-Time Memorable Hits" (CD for $27.50 postpaid or cassette for $17.50 postpaid) as well as "Comedy's Greatest Hits" ( CD for $22 postpaid or cassette for $15 postpaid). Silha locates hard-to-find records, tapes, videos, and CD's, and offers rare Downbeat music magazines from the 40's, 50's and 60's. Send your request with a self-addressed stamped envelope or phone Silha at (773) 239-4114 for information.

Incidentally, readers who want a free copy of Woody Guthrie's 1954 "Put Your Finger in the Air" with words, music, and finger instructions can send a long self-addressed stamped envelope to me at P.O. Box 597401, Chicago, Ill. 60659.

Q. I have more than 100 eight-track tapes I'd like to dispose of. Can you put me in touch with anyone who would want them, or should I throw them out? _Benny Davis, Green Bay, Wis.

A. Anyone with eight-track tapes should send a list of the titles and artists, and whether they've been played, to Steve Tkacs, 107 Paprika Place, Kissimmee, Fla. 34758; enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for a reply or offer.

Tkacs (pronounced "tacks") accepts used eight-track tapes (in playable condition) to give to owners of cars with eight-track tape players in exchange for recent movies on videotape. He will buy eight-tracks sealed in their original packaging.

Q. Our neighbor moved, leaving behind an antique dresser that's moldy and warped with an awful odor inside the drawers. How can I restore the piece? _Sally Donovan, Wilkes Barre, Pa.

A. To make the dresser beautiful again, and get rid of its smell, mold, warps _ and insect infestation if any _ use Conrad's Furniture and Youth Wood Food Oil, available in a 16-ounce bottle for $17.50 postpaid, two 16-ounce bottles for $30, a half-gallon for $40 or one gallon for $75 from Kurt Conrad (to whom checks should be made payable), 2579 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake, Mich. 48390-2133; phone 248-668-9577; or e-mail (include the word OIL to have your e-mail read) at kc2579(AT)aol.com.

Q. I have a small white plastic radio dating from 1938 with a figure of Charlie McCarthy sitting on the front, made by Majestic. How can I find out its value, and where can I find a buyer? _Joseph Holloway, Lima, Ohio

A. Write old radio collector and buyer Barry Janov, 2454 Dempster St., Suite 416, Des Plaines, Ill. 60016. Enclose a photo or description of the radio, stating its condition and any wording or numbers it has, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for a free evaluation or generous offer. Janov is especially interested in comic character radios, as well colorful plastic examples, peach or blue mirror types, or any unusual wood models (working or not) for which he pays quick cash.

Q. I have a big collection of match covers, as well as a big collection of business cards I'd like to sell. I tried writing people on the Internet but got no reply. Can you help? _Sandy Thurbon, Montclair, Calif.

A. To check out or sell match covers write Bill Retskin, P.O. Box 18481, Asheville, N.C. 28814-0481. Phone 828-254-4487. Fax: 828-254-1066. E-mail: bill(AT)matchcovers.com Web: http://www.matchcovers.com.

To check out or sell business cards, write business card maven Avery Pitzak, P.O. Box 460297-BC, Dept. No. 838, Aurora, Colo. 80046-0297. E-mail: bettycrow(AT)worldnet.att.net Web: http://www.geocities.com/

When writing enclose a description or copies of the covers or cards, stating their condition, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope for each of the above to receive a reply.

NOTE: Ted Hake's Nov. 14, 15, and 16 Mail/Phone/Internet/Bidding Auction Catalogue No. 161 offering 3254 sought after collectibles with their photos, descriptions and estimated values, is available for $7.50 postpaid from Hake's Americana & Collectibles, P.O. Box 1444, York, Pa. 17405-1444. Or phone Hake at 717-848-1333 for details. Or visit: www.hakes.com to see all items in color and search by key words, to place internet bids on and be in for a thrill.

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Readers send their questions to Anita Gold at P.O. Box 597401, Chicago, Ill. 60659; please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope. Due to the high volume of mail, not all letters can be answered, but priority will be given to those that include a copy of the column and the name of the paper in which it ran.)

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Effective Nov. 9, 2000, Anita Gold's ANTIQUES column no longer will be syndicated. It will available to all subscribers of the KRT News Service as part if their regular KRT feed. There will be no added charge for using the column.

If you have questions about the change in the status of ANTIQUES, please contact KRT News Service Director Mike Duggan at 202-383-6081 or mduggan(AT)krtinfo.com.

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(c) 2000, Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.