Dear Sun Spots: I read your column everyday. I am writing to you because I need some information.

I have a certificate that is valued in marks. I took it to the bank, and they told me the value of it, but could not cash it because marks were changed to euros. I was told that I would have to take it to an auction house.

Could you please name some auction houses on the the East Coast, plus the names of attorneys in the Lewiston-Auburn area who deal with auction houses and work on commission?

My second question is: What is the difference in time zones for Vienna, Austria, to the the East Coast of the United States? Thank you for reading my letter. — No Name, No Town

Answer: Sun Spots will answer your second question first, as it is much easier. You can find time zone differences, along with country codes, in the front of your phone book. Austria is six hours ahead of us (when it’s noon here, it’s 6 p.m. there), and the country code for dialing there is 43. To call Austria, you dial 011 + 43 + the number you want.

Your question about German marks is much more difficult.

On wikianswers.com, Sun Spots found this entry: “The (certificate details withheld on writer’s request) issued Feb. 1, 1923, unstamped, should be worth more than a stamped mark. Although the Reichsbanknote took a dive, there seems to be a strong revival in the interest to acquire these pieces of history. It seems that all of a sudden, people are going ga-ga to get them, and the original from Feb. 1, 1923, are more and more in demand. It might be a good idea to hang on to them since antique dealers and amateur buyers are now on the “lookout” for them. L. Greene”

Sun Spots also found one that was sold on eBay for $9.95 in August.

From this, Sun Spots infers that, while German marks still have value and can be exchanged for dollars or euros, your particular instrument may no longer be worth that amount. A lot happened in Germany between 1923 and now, including the Great Depression, World War II, the splitting and reunification of Germany. What are the chances that the bank or other entity that issued that instrument are still in business to redeem your certificate?

However, the Internet is not always right, and your certificate may be different than that described in the posting and on eBay. Sun Spots searched the Internet but had no luck finding an auction house for foreign currency exchanges. Both a local attorney and a banker suggested that you would probably need to find someone in New York City to help you, but that you could call the find-an-attorney service in Maine at 1-800-860-1460.

Sun Spots called Morgan Stanley in New York City, but mostly got transferred. There are many online auctions, but Sun Spots was unable to find an actual person to assist you in your enquiry. Perhaps a reader will have a suggestion

Dear Sun Spots: Keep up the good work. Here is what I need: a Toro 10-inch electric chain saw, model no. 51100. It doesn’t have to be working. What I need is parts to repair the one I have, as they are no longer available from the company. They were only manufactured for three years from 1978 to 1981. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Please call 784-6841 and leave a message if there’s no answer. — Norm Allen, Lewiston

Answer: Sun Spots respects your efforts to keep an old tool running. Good luck in finding parts.

Dear Sun Spots: I have a lot of greeting (occasion) cards if someone would like them for crafts, etc. Just call to pick them up at no charge. Also, I have magazines of all sorts from the 1970s to now. I am looking for a slide projector. Please call 782-1512. Thank you. — No Name, Lewiston

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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