Side-By-Side is a Convenient Combination by Anne McCollam on Creators.com

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Q: I have enclosed a photo of a secretary that originally belonged to my mother-in-law. It is made of oak and has adjustable shelves on the cabinet side. Still in excellent condition, we think it is around 100 years old.

What can you tell us about its age and value?

A: Because there is a cabinet or a bookcase on one side and a secretary on the other, it is often called a "side-by-side." Judging from your photo, the secretary drop front lid is missing.

Your side-by-side was made in the late Victorian era around 1900. The missing drop front diminishes the value by several hundred dollars. In the present condition, its value would probably be $800 to $1,000.

Q: This mark is on the bottom of a set of four white-glass McDonald's coffee mugs that I've had since the 1970s. The mugs are stackable, each one stands not quite 4 inches tall, and they are in good condition. On the front is an orange sun above golden arches with the saying, "Good Morning." The following words are also included with the mark: "Fire King Oven Proof — Made in U.S.A."

Do my mugs have any value?

A: Your white-glass mugs are collectible. They would appeal to collectors of both advertising and McDonald's memorabilia. Fire King glassware was made by Anchor Hocking. The company started out as the Hocking Glass Co.

in Lancaster, Ohio. In 1937, they merged with the Anchor Cap Co. and changed the name to Anchor Hocking. Fire King kitchen and dinnerware were made from 1942 to 1976.

Your mugs can be found on the Internet selling from $10 to $25.

Q: I have 25 boxes full of Avon products from the 1970s. Most of them are in the original boxes and in perfect condition.

Could you tell me if they are worth anything? Where can I find interested collectors?

A: Vintage Avon products are collectible. Alas, they are modestly priced, which can be disappointing. Having said that, because they are not expensive, there are many people who can afford to collect Avon pieces. Collectors are listed on the Internet as well as information on buying and selling.

Most Avon collectibles from the 1970s are selling in the range of $10 to $25. Some pieces can go at higher prices.

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.