Q I have a Jiffy Kodak Six 20 Series II camera. Printed on the box is: Made in United States of America by Eastman Kodak Co. Rochester N.Y. # 294.

It is in fair/good condition and the size is approximately 6 inches by 3 inches. There is not tearing to the box; however, the corners appear to bear wear.
— M.R.
Astoria, N.Y.

A Your Jiffy Kodak Six-20 Series II Folding Camera was the second Six-20 hence the name Six-20 Series II. The Eastman Kodak Company made the first Jiffy Six-20 from 1933 to 1937, the Jiffy Six-20 Series II dates from 1937 to 1948. The camera appears with a grained black Moroccan casing and nickel features; it telescoped out with the touch of a button. Prior to this, telescoping cameras were awkward to open. The focus range of the Six-20 Series II was 5 to 10 feet; it used 620 film, with each roll taking eight, 2.25-by-3.25-inch photographs. The Jiffy originally cost $8 and was called the Jiffy because of the speed at which it telescoped open and snapped a photo.

You mention the camera is in fair to good condition. I am including a photo of one of our own Jiffy Kodak Six-20 Series II cameras also with the original box. In very good condition, with the original box, the Jiffy Kodak Six-20 Series II sells in the $40 to $50 range.

Q Attached are two photos of what I think may be a Meerschaum Pipe. It is in a leather case. It belonged to my husband. Could you please let me know if it is a Meerschaum and if so, what would it be worth? It has been smoked.

If not Meerschaum, what kind of pipe is it and what would it be worth?

Thank you in advance.
— H.W.
via email

A Your pipe is not meerschaum, but it probably has a meerschaum insert. Based on the photographs I would say your pipe is made of Catalin, which is a hard, somewhat brittle yet durable plastic invented during the early 20th century. Catalin is a name that is used interchangeably with Bakelite, which is actually different. Bakelite, invented in 1907, was used in the manufacture of many different objects that required heat and fire resistance such as electric plugs or handles on toasters, pots, coffee pots and other electrical appliances; true Bakelite is usually black or brown and does not melt.
Brightly colored jewelry, radios, purses, binoculars, mah jong tiles, poker chips, pipe stems, cigarette holders and toys often identified as Bakelite are actually Catalin.

Your marbleized, butterscotch Catalin, hand-painted pipe inset with silver and mother-of-pearl was probably made in China or Japan during the 1930s or 1940s. The bowl of these pipes typically have a meerschaum liner, which does not conduct heat. The green dragon painting, silver inlay and mother-of-pearl contrast beautifully with the warm tones of the aged marbleized butterscotch Catalin. I have seen this pipe in a different color sell for $250. I would say, given the right forum, that your pipe could sell for a similar amount.