Collectibles appraiser Kovel dead at 88

CLEVELAND, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- Author Ralph M. Kovel, known best for his pricing guides for collectibles and antiques, has died in Cleveland at the age of 88, his wife says.

The man behind such published works as "Kovels' American Silver Marks" and "Kovels' Bid, Buy and Sell Online" died last month of complications of a broken hip, The New York Times reported Sunday.

Working with his wife Terry, Kovel created 96 published guides to collectibles and antiques that have become invaluable sources of information for collectors and hobbyists alike.

The couple's 97th book, "Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2009," is to be released this month in U.S. bookstores.

The couple first published a guide in 1953 and quickly became the main writers for a section of the population intrigued by antiques and other collectibles. They also worked on a collectibles column that has been published in 150 newspapers nationwide since 1955.

The Times said Kovel, who died Aug. 18, also is survived by two children and three grandchildren.