Collectors visiting Muscatine providing free information to local residents uncovered a French Sword today made before the war of 1812 making it almost 200 years old. It was found in a cliff by the Mississippi River. The sword was purchased for $ 18,400.

This and other fabulous items are on display today thru Thursday, January 13th, at the Clarion (formerly Holiday Inn) in Muscatine. Call 217-243-6418 for more info.

Here is Why the American Rare Collectibles Association holds this event: The ARCA is made up of collectors who want to spend lots of money on their favorite toy, doll, train, musical instrument, sword, pocket watch, collectible jewelry items. . The collector members pay dues and fees to the association. Then the staff purchases items for their collection based upon their requests. All involved are willing to help for free identify the value, and help local residents with information needed to sell their item immediately. Also thousands of other people throughout the country donate their time to help the staff accumulate information and value. At the local event, you will find thousands of collectors represented ready to spend money on the spot to buy any and all collectibles. All items, whether expensive or ordinary will be purchased. The entire event is free. Local visitors are selling the item for collector prices, directly to the collector. The staff is on hand to assist the visitors with this task.

Professionals from the association will come prepared to give some of the highest offers in the world. A fierce competition takes place for rare, desirable and mint items requested by museums and disposable income level collectors. Some of the sensational prices collectors are paying include : $7,000 for a 1952 Gibson guitar. $3,000 for a Gang of Five Robot from Japan, $2,500 for a rare Civil war sword, $11,550 for a Silver Dollar coin Collection, 6 Buddy L 1920s Trucks $11,450, $20,000 for an Edison phonograph & Victrola collection.

IF YOU GO: Do not try to clean or alter the condition. Any condition from rusty to mint is welcome. Expect to leave this event with money. Most visitors do. There is a chance that some visitors will make this a once in a lifetime opportunity to sell something rare for a record price. Remember, the service is totally free. All expenses are paid by the ARCA association members.

Top Most Desirable Items.

1. Toys. Check out our extra page of desirable toys.

2. Dolls & Action Figures of all types: Composition, Antique French or German, Barbie & GI Joe, Mego to name wanted types.

3. Train-Related items such as model Lionel, American flyer, Bing, Lehmann, lanterns, signs, advertising, china are very popular.

4. Guitars & Musical Instruments. Such as Gibson, Martin, Fender, Stradivarius, Conn, Selmer, old or new.

5. Lamps lead and stained glass, of course Tiffany, any art deco or nouveau Designer types.

6. Advertising signs from famous companies like Coke, Pepsi, Budweiser, John Deere is most popular.

7. Watches and Clocks are hot: Lots of Functions, Illinois, Hamilton, Rolex, France, Ansonia.

8. Famous person collectibles. Political, Hollywood and music celebrities autographs and memorabilia.

9. Jewelry. Even costume, and of course gold. Also Sterling, Bakelite, Coins.

10. Coins. Especially US.

11. Military Related swords, daggers, helmets, buckles, bugles, autographs.

12. Music boxes, Victrolas, phonographs, early radios such as RCA, Edison, Regina, German made, 1880s to 1930s, obscure wood and bakelite.

13. Any Antique or Collectible. Anything you are curious about.

Any questions? Please call 217-243-6418

*Desirable Toys*

Worldwide collectors have given tens of thousands of dollars to this tour to buy more toys. This includes: Early pressed steel transportation toys like the big 1920's Buddy L or Keystone. As well as Smith Miller, Doepke, Tonka, Nylint. Movie, radio, television and famous character toys Toys. Worldwide collectors have given tens of thousands of dollars to this tour to buy more toys. This includes: Early pressed steel transportation toys like the big 1920's Buddy L or Keystone. As well as Smith Miller, Doepke, Tonka, Nylint. Movie, radio, television and famous character toys.

Toy popular brands and celebrity favorites include : Howdy Doody, Mickey Mouse, Disney, German windup and older Japanese tin toys: Lehmann, Marx, Schuco, Schoenhut, TPS, TN, Bing, Linemar. Cowboy related Roy Rogers, Lone Ranger, Hopalong Cassidy, Gene Autry, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Johnny Yuma, Hartland, Ruehl, Cap guns & holsters, Barbie, Ideal, Madame Alexander, Kiddles, GI Joe, Matt Mason, Mego, Kenner, Ginny Vogue, Shirley Temple, Betty Boop, Popeye, Superman, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck. Trains: Lionel, tin American Flyer, Ives, Bing, Marklin. Advertising Related Toys: Coca Cola, Pepsi, Shell, Texaco, Budweiser, Beer ads, Standard, Red Crown, John Deere, International, BF Goodrich, Goodyear, anything porcelain on steel, unusual companies, Eska Tractor & pedal cars. Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Corgis, Dinky, Slot Cars and Aurora, Scale cars, Pez, Hasbro Transformers, ERTL.

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