Q: Enclosed is a picture of two glass pedestal dishes that were given to me by my mother many years ago. She received them from a family friend. They each stand 8 inches high and there are no manufacturer markings. The gold filigree on the stems is worn from handling; otherwise, the dishes are colorful and in good condition.

I would like to pass these on to my granddaughter and would appreciate any information you can give me. I'm also curious about what they were used for.

A: You have a mid-century pair of Briard-style pedestal dishes. The gold geometric designs and filigree were inspired by award-winning designer Georges Briard. He was born in 1917 in Ukraine and immigrated to the United States, as a young man. His designs on housewares were popular from the 1950s to the 1970s. Briard's pieces were signed.

Your retro dishes were used to serve cakes or hors d'oeuvres. Each dish would probably be worth $25 to $50.

Q: Enclosed is a reproduction of a mark that is on the bottom of three pieces of blue milk glass that I have. The set includes a sugar bowl, cream pitcher and spooner. The pattern is "Chrysanthemum Sprig" and they are all blue milk glass with gold trim. Each piece is approximately 6 inches tall and in perfect condition. They have been in my family for as long as I can remember.

Could you please provide the history, age and value of my set?

A: H. Northwood and Co. was founded by Harry Northwood and Thomas Dugan in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1902. They made clear pressed glass, opalescent glass, carnival glass and custard glass. Your set is an example of blue custard glass. The "Chrysanthemum Sprig" pattern is also called "Pagoda." It was available on water pitchers, toothpick holders, spooners, cream pitchers, sugar bowls, shakers, tumblers and berry sets. This pattern was also made in opalescent glass.

Your set was made around 1899 and would probably be worth $300 to $500.

Q: I have four gold-foil etching prints by Lionel Barrymore. They are in an 8.5-by-11-inch folder that is printed with the words "The Best of Barrymore: Collector's Portfolio of Gold Etch Prints by Lionel Barrymore." Is this set worth anything?

A: Your circa-1950 set was published by Brown and Bigelow. Similar sets are selling in the range of $20 to $25.

Briard-style pedestal dishes were made in mid-1900s.

H. Northwood and Co. was founded in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1902.

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