Q: This is a photo of an antique matching silver butter knife and fork. They each measure about 8 inches long and are in mint condition. There are no marks. We plan to add the set to our insurance. It has been in our family for generations, and we would like to learn more about the vintage and value.

A: You have a Victorian fish knife rather than a butter knife. The fish knife and fork set were probably originally part of a set of individual knives and forks that was used when fish was served. Most sets were accompanied by master serving pieces consisting of a larger fish knife, and a fork that is wider than an individual fork and had five prongs. Victorian dinners were elaborate, and they delighted in having specific flatware for each course. As a rule, sterling silver flatware was marked as sterling, so your set is silver-plate.

Your fish set was made in the late 1880s to the early 1900s. It should be insured for $35 to $75. A sterling set should be insured for $250 to $275.

Q: This is a picture of the mark on the back of porcelain dish that we received from an aunt who did a great deal of world travel. It measures 6 1/2 inches in diameter. It is decorated with a floral pattern and embellished with gold, and it has a scalloped edge with handles.

Anything you can tell us about its history, vintage, maker and value will be appreciated.

A: In 1872, August Alboth founded his porcelain-refining factory and decorating business in Coburg, Germany. His son, Ernst, joined the firm, followed by his son and son-in-law, George Kaiser, in 1922. In 1928, the company was renamed Alka, based on the first two letters of the family names, Alboth and Kaiser. They produced high-quality lines of giftware and Rococo lace figurines. "Gloria" is the name of the pattern. Your dish was used for serving pastries and cookies.

The mark you provided was used from 1928 to 1958. Similar serving dishes can be found selling on the internet in the range of $25 to $50.

Q: I have a real old Monopoly game with wooden game pieces that was purchased around the 1950s. I threw the original box out years ago. I probably should have kept it, but it was not in the best condition.

I am interested in selling it but don't know what it is worth. Could you tell me?

A: Parker Brothers introduced the board game Monopoly in 1935. The six game pieces are known as "game tokens" by collectors.

Your circa-1950s Monopoly would probably be worth $25 to $50.

Silver-plate fish knife and fork were made in the Victorian era.

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.