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Q: How much is an autographed copy of Sophie Tucker's autobiography, "Some of These Days," worth?

-- Robert, Sandoval, Ill.

A: Sophie Tucker's signature is worth about $20. A signed first edition of her book is probably worth about $10 more. The popular singer and comedian spent most of her later years signing photos, books and answering the fan mail she received.

In fact, when making personal appearances, she could sometimes be found sitting in the wings of the theatre signing Christmas cards or writing personal notes to her admirers.

For this reason, her autographs are fairly common. On the Internet, a piece of ragtime sheet music with an early Tucker image, and personally signed by the star, recently sold for $35.

Q: Since 1970, we have been collecting matchbooks, all with advertising and in color. The older ones we have in a scrapbook. The others -- approximately 1,200 -- are stored in glass containers in excellent condition. We are giving up this collection since we are elderly and are moving to smaller quarters. Any assistance or suggestions would be appreciated.

-- Melvin, Peoria, Ariz.

A: One of the better references in this field of collecting is The Matchcover Collector's Guide by Bill Retskin (Antique Trader Books, $21.95). This is an older book, and you may need to go to www.abe.com to find a secondhand copy. It offers the most comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate values of more than 10,000 matchbook covers. By using this guide, you should be able to establish values for the ones you have.

Q: My family owned an ice-cream shop throughout the 1930s. We have moulds, ice-cream trays, soda-fountain fixtures and advertising items, which we would now like to sell. Can you help us?

-- George, Tyler, Texas

A: Allan Mellis is known as Mr. Ice Cream, since he is known throughout the country for his love of ice-cream collectibles. He probably can advise you. His address is 1115 West Montana, Chicago, IL 60614.

* 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.