Howdy Doody-Rocker

Q:I am the proud original owner of a child-size Howdy Doody musical rocker autographed by Buffalo Bob Smith himself. The music box is in the chair’s left runner and still works. There’s a colorful decal of Howdy on the front of the chair. What do you think the chair is worth?

A:The Howdy Doody Show was a hugely popular children’s TV show that ran from 1947 to 1960. Howdy was the leading character, a marionette cowboy, whose human buddy, Buffalo Bob, hosted the show. We have seen Howdy Doody rockers like yours sell for $50 to $100 without Buffalo Bob’s autograph and with or without the music box. Did you or your parents see Buffalo Bob sign the chair? Are you sure it is a real signature, not a facsimile? If the decal is mint and the autograph genuine, the value of your chair could go up to $500 or more.