Q: In 1959, at a Woolworth's five-and-dime store in Racine, Wis., I bought this clown teapot seen in this photo. The face is decorated with a glossy black glaze, his eyes are bright blue, and he has a round bright red nose. His hair is brown, and he is wearing a yellow straw hat. The handle is wire. On the bottom are the words "Pat. Pend." It stands approximately 6 inches tall, 8 inches from the spout to the handle and is in mint condition.

I always put it out for display but never used it for actually serving tea. Would you know anything about its origin?

A: Your clown teapot is collectible. It was made in Japan in the 1950s. They were originally marked with paper labels with the words "Thames — Made in Japan". There were accessories that accompanied the teapot that included salt and peppershakers, cream pitchers, sugar bowls, cups and saucers. They also made a stacking teapot/cups set. Your clown teapot was made from red clay and is hand-painted as were the accessories.

The value of your teapot would probably be $75 to $125.

Q: Enclosed is the mark that is on a set of dishes that I have. It originally belonged to my grandmother who bought it after World War II. The set consists of a sugar bowl, cream pitcher, teapot, coffee pot, six dessert plates, six cups and six saucers. Each dish is decorated with gold designs against a white background and all are in perfect condition. The plates and saucers have scalloped rims.

What can you tell me about the maker, age and value of my set?

A: Weimar Porcelain was made by C. and E. Carstens Porcelain Factory. They have made porcelain in Blankenhain, Thuringia, Germany, since 1918.

Your set was made in the mid- to late-1940s. Similar dessert sets are selling in the range of $175 to $275.

Q: Can you tell me where I can buy a 1962 Mr. Ed hand puppet? I do not know how to navigate the Internet and would like to find one that is mint in the box.

I have been looking forever and hope you can help me.

A: Mr. Ed hand puppets had a soft vinyl heads and cloth bodies. They had a pull-string to activate the voice. The cardboard box included instructions. A recent one, mint in box, was expected sell at auction for $200 to $400. Some public libraries offer assistance with the Internet.

(set image) amc092713adAP.jpg (set image) (set caption) Clown teapot made in Japan. (end caption)

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