American Airlines Aviation Memorabilia

Q: I have several American Airlines memorabilia from my father’s estate. I really don’t know what to do with them. Any suggestions? Thanks.

A: American Airlines posters have sold for about $100 to $1,000. The highest prices go to posters advertising a specific travel destination or with graphics by a known artist. Your poster is by Ken Dallison, who is famous for his automobile illustrations. He designed it in the 1970s. One sold for $270 at an auction last year.

Airline memorabilia can be anything from paper ephemera like timetables or playing cards, to toys and advertising material, to actual airplane parts. Prices can range from under $10 for small items like branded glassware or uniform pins to thousands of dollars for items from the early days of aviation or signed by famous figures. Look for airline memorabilia collectors’ clubs and shows. If you are interested in selling your memorabilia, they may help you find interested buyers. Auction houses that specialize in advertising materials or have held auctions focusing on airline or transportation memorabilia may also be helpful.

Do you have a question for Collector’s Gallery? Send your question and attached photos via e-mail to ATNews@aimmedia.com. Photographs must be 300 dpi. Please include as much information about your item as possible: size, condition, where it came from, or anything else helpful. The values given are estimates and are not intended for legal or personal dealings.