Earthenware Set Serves as a Treasured Family Heirloom by Anne McCollam on Creators.com

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Earthenware Set Serves as a Treasured Family Heirloom

Q: This is a photo of a chocolate pot with a matching dinner plate and small plate that has been in our family since the late 1700s. Marked on the bottom of each piece are the words, "Baker and Co. — Persian Rose." According to our family history, which is recorded, it was part of a set that belonged to our ancestor, Mary Ball Washington, mother of George Washington, and was handed down from generation to generation.

I would appreciate your opinion and comments as to the authenticity and value of the set.

A: Based on my research, your set was not made in the late 1700s. Baker and Co. produced earthenware in Fenton, Staffordshire, England, from 1839 to 1932. I found no record of the company in existence before that time. Although you have documentation to trace your family to George Washington's mother, the oral history of your set is not a proper documentation. A handwritten note by an ancestor would have been a plus.

As a rule, chocolate pots have short spouts at the top rather than long curved spouts at the lower portion.

All things considered, you have a coffee pot and matching plates that were made around 1839. The value of your set would probably be $300 to $400.

Q: This mark is on the bottom of a Hummel figurine that was given to me almost 50 years ago. The title of the figurine is "The Umbrella Girl," and it stands about 8 inches tall. The numbers "152-B" are also included with the mark.

What is it worth?

A: From 1960 to 1972 in West Germany, Goebel used the mark you provided.

"152-B" is the model number. Your Hummel figurine would probably be worth $800 to $1,200.

Q: Today, I bought the cutest cat cookie jar at the Salvation Army. Marked on the bottom are the words, "Twin Winton, Calif., 1963." I haven't found any information on its background.

What can you tell me about my cookie jar?

A: Twin Winton was founded by twin brothers, Don and Ross Winton, in the mid-1930s. Their brother, Bruce, joined the company in the 1940s, and eventually bought them out around 1950. They produced novelty items and a large line of cookie jars.

Twin Winton cat cookie jars usually sell in the range of $65 to $125.

Q: I have an old vase and would like to know its manufacturer, its age and its value.

Could you please help?

A: I would like to help identify your vase, but I need more information. Without a clear photo, a description of its size, the material it is made from and any identifying marks, there is not much I can do to help. Please submit your question with the required information.

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.