Q: My friends and I wait for your antiques and collectibles column each week. Knowing how busy you are, we decided to send all our questions in one envelope. In mint condition, the pictured busts are each 9 inches tall and marked "Marwal Ind — Inc." They were purchased in 1965.

We appreciate any information you can find for us. Thanks so much from "three gals in Houston."

A: Marwal Industries Inc. made your Polynesian women busts. They created plaster figures and busts in Miami from around the 1940s to the 1960s.

They are collectibles and each can be seen selling on the Internet anywhere from $50 to $150.

Q: Many years ago, I was given a beautiful tea service that belonged to my late aunt. I enclosed the mark that is on each piece. The set consists of six each cups, saucers, dessert plates, a large cake plate, cream pitcher, sugar bowl and a teapot. With the "Blue Cypress" pattern, all pieces are decorated with pink and blue flowers and gold-trimmed scalloped edges. I don't think the set has ever been used; it is in pristine condition.

I would like to know where it was made and what it is worth.

A: The Shelley China Co. made your tea set. The factory was established in the early 1800s in Longton, England, and eventually became part of the Doulton Co. in England.

Your set was made in the early 1900s and would probably be worth $600 to $800.

Q: I have a set of porcelain dinnerware that was purchased over 60 years ago. Each piece is marked with a crown and the words: "Celebrate — Made in Occupied Japan." The dishes are decorated with a gold design and small pastel flowers.

Anything you can tell me about my dinnerware will be appreciated.

A: At the end of World War II, during the American occupation of Japan from 1945 to 1952, porcelain and other goods were marked "Made in Occupied Japan." "Celebrate" is the name of the pattern. Objects created during the occupation are collectible.

Your dinnerware was made around 1946 and a service for eight would probably be worth $600 to $800.

Q: What can you tell me about my aluminum tray? It measures approximately 18 inches by 12 inches, has handles and contains a raised floral pattern. Marked on the back are the words: "Cromwell Hand Wrought Aluminum."

A: Hand-hammered aluminum tableware pieces were popular in the mid- 1900s. Wendell August Forge, West Bend, Everlast and Cromwell were several of the leading manufacturers.

Your tray would probably be worth $25 to $50.

Q: I have a pair of "Sonny and Cher" vinyl dolls. Each one stands 12 inches tall with the original clothes, shoes and boxes. Made by the Mego Corp. in 1976, Cher is wearing a hot pink gown and Sonny is in jeans and a white sweater. They have joint waists and wrists and can be posed.

Are they collectible and do they have any value?

A: "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" was a TV hit from 1971 to 1974. Their popularity launched a line of fashion dolls. Bob Mackie designed gorgeous gowns for Cher, which were the inspiration for the dolls. Thirty separate outfits were available for Cher and six for Sonny.

Each doll would probably be worth $50 to $75.

Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters. To find out more about Anne McCollam and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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