1908 Wedding Gift is a Valued Heirloom by Anne McCollam on Creators.com

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1908 Wedding Gift is a Valued Heirloom

Q: I am enclosing a photo of a hand-painted porcelain vase that my parents received for their wedding in 1908. On one side is a night scene, while a female and a male lion are on the other side. Standing about 10 inches tall, the dragon handles and top are embellished with gold. There is a signature included with the night scene. The words "J.P.L. France" are marked in green on the bottom of the vase.

I would appreciate any information you can provide, including its value.

A: La Ceramique, owned by Jean Pouyat, made your vase. They have created porcelain In Limoges, France, since 1883. A green mark was used on white ware exported to the U.S. for decorating by either professional or amateur artists. China painting was a popular hobby with ladies of leisure. The signature included within the painting is that of the artist.

Your circa 1908 vase would probably be worth $900 to $1,500.

Q: This mark is on my set of porcelain dishes. The set is a service for eight and is around 60 years old. The dishes are decorated with gold leaves, scrolls and flowers. The center of each piece contains a country scene with a castle in the background, along with "Le Maitre." Each mark also includes the words: "Warranted 22K gold — Chateau — France."

Is my dinnerware of any value?

A: Limoges China Co. was located in East Liverpool, Ohio, from 1900 to 1955. After a warning from French China companies in Limoges, France, the name was changed to American Limoges in 1949.

They produced a high quality semi-porcelain dinnerware. "Chateau" is the name of the pattern and "Le Maitre" is French for the master.

Similar sets of dinnerware seen in antiques shops are in the range of $300 to $450.

Q: I have an antique brass candlestick-style telephone. It stands approximately 11 inches tall and is in remarkable condition. On the front of the base are the words: "Western Electric Co. — Patented Aug. 16, '04."

When was it made? Is it worth anything?

A: Western Electric Co. patented the design in 1904. Vintage telephones are collectible and yours would sell in the range of $250 to $350.

Q: I have a cast iron toy Campbell Soup Kids bank that must be close to 100 years old. The kids are attached, stand 4 inches tall and are in excellent condition.

How old is my bank and what is it worth?

A: Your bank was made around 1915. It would probably be worth $325 to $375.

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.