Q: This is a photo of a wood Corina Larks cigar box that I have had since 1950. The cigars sold for 15 cents each. The label on the inside has a picture of a young woman and the words "Notice the hole in the head." There are metal hinges and lock and the box is approximately 8 inches by 6 inches and 2 1/2 inches high. The Corina logos are stamped on the outside of the box. It is in perfect condition. I have kept my embroidery thread in for years. When I heard some cigar boxes are worth money, I emptied it out and stored it away for safekeeping.

Can you tell me how much it is worth?

A: Cigar boxes are collectible. Their history goes back to the 1864 Revenue Act that required cigars to be packed in boxes. They have been made from just about every medium that includes wood, glass, tin, aluminum and china. Many of the boxes are made with Spanish cedar. Some were elaborately carved and made from fine wood. During the Depression, boxes were made to be used later for jewelry. They also were constructed in the shapes of motor vehicles, and log cabins. Cigar box labels are also very collectible.

Circa 1950 cigar boxes similar to yours are in the $10 to $40 range.

Q: This mark is on the bottom of a porcelain figurine that I have. There is a woman sitting on a bench and there is a man standing next to her. They are both wearing 18th-century clothes. The height is 8 inches and includes the base.

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

A: Kranichfeld Porcelain Manufactory made your figurine. They were located in Saxony, Germany, and were in business around 1903 for just a short time. They specialized in porcelain figurines and a variety of decorative porcelain.

Your figurine would probably be worth $175 to $275.

Q: I have the book "The Complete Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow". It is a hard cover book with gilded edges and has numerous illustrations. It was published by Houghton, Mifflin, and Company, The Riverside Press, Cambridge, in 1881. On the inside is a note with the words, "This is a Christmas present from an Aunt in the year 1883."

Is there any value to this book?

A: Your book often sells in antique books shops in the range of $50 to $70.

(set image) amc100413adAP.jpg (set image) (set caption) Vintage cigar boxes are collectible. (end caption)

Kranichfeld Porcelain Manufactory was located in Germany.

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