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Q: I have a Beatles jigsaw puzzle. I have been offered $50 for it, but suspect it is worth much more. What do you think?

-- Steve, Paintsville, Ky.

A: According to Buy, Keep or Sell by Judith Miller (DK Books, $30), your puzzle is worth in the $120 to $180 range.

Even though I think many of Miller's values are on the high side, I think it is certainly worth more than $50.

As with all collectibles, true value depends on three factors: scarcity, demand and condition.

Q: I have been sorting through my father's tool chest, which contains many older tools.

Are there books available to help me learn their age and value?

-- Barbara, Fairport, N.Y.

A: One of the better general references is The Antique Trader Tools Price Guide: Tools from the 1700s through the 20th Century, edited by Kyle Husfloen (Krause, $19.99).

Tool collecting has become a major hobby in our country, and with the increased interest have come increased prices in the marketplace.

Of special interest to collectors are vintage woodworking tools such as planes and scrapers.

A dealer who might be helpful is William A. Gustafson, William A. Gustafson Antiques, P.O. Box 104, 10643 Route 22, Austerlitz, NY 12017.

Q: I have an opportunity to purchase a Radiola 25 radio for $600. It is the table model and was manufactured sometime during the 1920s. Does this sound like a good deal to you?

-- Steve, Silver City, N.M.

A: No, especially if you think you are purchasing it at below market value.

Your radio, which was manufactured in 1925, is an interesting collectible, but most of the guides I consulted place its value in the $175 to $250 range.

Q: I have a tin can that originally contained Triton motor oil. How much do you think it's worth?

-- Bill, Stigler, Okla.

A: I spoke to several gas-station memorabilia collectors, and all seem to agree that your tin is worth about $30.

* Write to Larry Cox in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to antiquequestions@aol.com. Due to the large volume of mail he receives, Mr. Cox is unable to personally answer all reader questions. Do not send any materials requiring return mail.