Q: Can you tell me anything about my "lily of the valley" vase seen in this photo? My grandmother brought it with her when she emigrated to the U.S. from Ireland around 1910. It stands about 6 inches tall and is hand painted with lily of the valley flowers, as well as several other blossoms. Since I was born in May and lilies of the valley grew wild on our property, we always used the ... [full story]

Q: Enclosed is a photo of a violet iridescent glass bowl that belonged to my grandmother. She referred to it as a sauce bowl. It measures approximately 8 inches in diameter and there are six matching smaller bowls. They are all in perfect condition. The flowers that decorated the inside of the bowl are in relief. I think the set is around 80 years old.   CARNIVAL GLASS - This carnival glass berry set was made ... [full story]

Q: I have been searching for quite a few years for the history of the pitcher seen in this photo. It has a translucent quality and the glaze appears to have been thickly applied. The figures and flowers are outlined in white and it is decorated with blue, green and white dots. There no identifying marks or numbers that I could find and it is in excellent condition. It was given to my great-aunt as ... [full story]

Q: Enclosed is a photo of part of my dinnerware set. The set is a service for 12 and includes some serving pieces. Each dish is marked with a rectangle with the words "Gladding McBean & Co. - Made in U.S.A. - Franciscan Earthenware" and the letters "C - R." The pattern is "Desert Rose."   DINNER FOR 12 - Gladding McBean and Co., founded in 1875 in Los Angeles, made this dinnerware around 1961. It ... [full story]

Q: I inherited the covered jar seen in this photo. The lid is trimmed in red and the base in blue. On the lid is the image of U.S. Navy Adm. George Dewey and on the side of the jar is a coat of arms, the date May 1,1898, and the words "Steam Ahead and Follow Me." On the other side is Dewey's flagship, the cruiser Olympia. The overall height is 9 inches and the ... [full story]

Q: I have an old Elvis Presley 45 RPM record that I purchased in the 1950s. Enclosed is a photo of the paper record cover. One side of the record is the song "Jailhouse Rock" and the flip side is "Treat Me Nice." The corner of the cover is damaged but the record is in very good condition.   KING LIVES ON - Elvis Presley collectibles, such as this 'Jailhouse Rock' album are very desirable. This ... [full story]

Q: My husband's aunt received the vase in this photo for a wedding present. It is in perfect condition and the only mark on the bottom is the number "6."   JARDINIERE - Roseville Pottery in Zanesville, Ohio, made this jardinière around 1933 and it would probably be worth $500 to $700. CNS Photo.    VON SCHIERHOLZ MARK - Von Schierholz Porcelain Factory of Dresden, Germany, has been in business since 1817. CNS Photo.Can you tell us the ... [full story]

Q: This pair of ceramic dogs belonged to my great-grandmother. She brought them with her when she immigrated to the United States from Scotland over 100 years ago. Each stands approximately 9 inches tall and neither one has any identifying marks. They are decorated with gold paint, and have yellow eyes and black muzzles.   STAFFORDSHIRE SPANIELS - These Staffordshire spaniels were made in the late 1800s and would probably be worth from $300 to $500. ... [full story]

Q: Enclosed is a photo of a matching washbowl and pitcher I purchased in an antiques shop in the early 1960s. On the bottom of each piece are the words "Eastern Flower - Wedgwood - Etruria - England." I thought the flowers against the deep orange background were unusual for Wedgwood and wonder if there is any value to my wash set. I would love any information you can give me. A: Josiah Wedgwood founded ... [full story]

Q: We have owned the oak office chair in this photo since 1962. Originally it was in the office of an Indiana co-op grain elevator business where my husband worked after he graduated from high school. At some time after it was given to him, someone painted it green. Eventually since we liked the chair and used it, we decided to refinish it ourselves. Although we had to replace one of the castors, it is ... [full story]

Q: We inherited the pottery vase seen in this photo around 10 to 15 years ago. It originally belonged to my husband's grandmother. The swirled colors are cream, blue-gray and brown. It stands 18 inches tall and is in perfect condition. Impressed into clay on the bottom of the vase is the word "Niloak." We plan to keep it in the family and pass it down to our son. What can you tell us about ... [full story]

Q: This is a close-up of my Disney rug. It is decorated with the images of Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and Pluto dancing to music with a boat and the sea in the background. The rug measures 40 inches by 22 inches, not including the 2-inch fringe on the ends. It is in mint condition. There are no markings on the front or back to identify it as a Disney product. My grandfather acquired it ... [full story]

Q: This is a picture of a vase that was given to my parents over 20 years ago. It was originally purchased in the late 1940s after World War II in Europe. The vase is about 14 inches tall and in perfect condition. Marked on the bottom are the words "Made in Austria, Hungary - 1904 - Zsolnay." Also included with the mark are five towers with crosses on top. Could you give me any ... [full story]