Q: I have a silk handkerchief that was made in 1904 to commemorate the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. The flowers around the edge are hand-embroidered. As you can see, there is a brown spot on one corner. Is there any value to this piece of history?A: Several different handkerchiefs were made as souvenirs of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Most picture President Theodore Roosevelt, a fairground building, or some other central decoration. President Roosevelt attended the ceremony that dedicated the buildings on the fairgrounds in April 1903. He opened the fair on April 30, 1904, by touching a gold and ivory key on a telegraph machine in the White House. Your handkerchief picturing Roosevelt would appeal to collectors of either political items or World's Fair memorabilia. The needlework flowers and cutwork designs vary on the commemorative handkerchief. Those with more intricate cutwork sell for higher prices. Unfortunately, the brown spot in the corner lowers the value of your handkerchief. Value - $100 to $150.
