The Mighty Pen

A perfect example of a hidden treasure you might have is a fountain pen. The Saturday Early Show's Collectibles Expert Tony Hyman, author of Trash or Treasure: Guide to Buyers, tells you which pens could be collectible.

The value goes up dramatically if the pen has silver or gold decoration, or has the elaborate trim that makes it what is called "an overlaid pen." Some types of Waterman pens are worth about $800. The top ones like Parker's Silver Snake bring $15,000 or more.

In the 1920s, plastic pens became available in a rainbow of colors. These range in value today from $5 all the way up to $1,000 or more, depending on the maker, model, color, size and condition.

Full-sized pens are more valuable than smaller ladies' pens, many of which were worn around the neck. Women's pens can top $250 in value if they are gold, enameled, or hand painted with interesting designs.

If you are describing your pen for sale, be sure to include the brand name, length, color and every word or number you find on the pen, fill lever, clip and point.

The condition of the pen is vital. Hairline cracks, faded color, missing parts or other damage will cut its value by 50 to 80 percent.

One person found hidden treasure at a rummage sale when someone donated a Parker Aztec pen. The rummage sale folks sold it to a lucky soul for only $55. That pen was worth more than $2,000!

Don't let that happen to you. Get expert advice before disposing of any pen.

For more on collectible pens, Hyman recommends the The Fountain Pen Hospital Web site. You also can send an email to fountainpenhospital@att.net.

If you think you have a collectible worth a lot of cash, send an email to sat@cbsnews.com with "What's It Worth?" in the subject line. Or write to "What's It Worth?" The Saturday Early Show, 514 West 57th St., 6th floor, New York, N.Y. 10019.