Question:
Hi, I am dealing with my father’s estate and we have a Colfax, Iowa 5 gallon jug with black art on the front including two leaves. We did not realize that we may have a treasure. It is in great condition but it does have a large (1.5" X .5") old chip directly below the label. We have it listed on our auction, but I had an individual offer as much as $3,000.00 sight unseen. I have an obligation to the estate to turn these items into cash and I also would like to get it to someone that would really appreciate it. Please give me a ballpark estimate as to value and whether I should pull it off the auction. Thanks so much for your help. Stu Peterson

Answer: Stu, I have seen the photos of the chip on the front of the jug. The chip does hurt the jug somewhat, but it is quite low on the jug and everything else on the jug is outstanding. You have a very nice advertising piece and I don’t think I have ever seen leaves and the gallon-age on a Colfax advertising beehive before. It could go as high as $4000 or higher, if you advertised it well. So, I am not going to tell you what to do, as I leave this up to you and your family. It is an outstanding advertising piece. Hope this information is somewhat helpful. Al Kohlman