Q: I recently purchased a clear Sandwich Glass whale oil lamp. The pattern is called "Hearts." It was made between 1845 and 1860. I paid $75 for it and thought I got a really good deal. But looking closer I found a hole that was drilled in the bottom of the reservoir to electrify it. Other than that, the lamp is in excellent condition, and I plan on keeping it. My "Sandwich Glass Whale Oil" reference book lists this lamp at $150. What is it really worth?

A: Sandwich Glass Manufacturing Co. was founded by Deming Jarves in 1824. In 1826, it became the Boston and Sandwich Glass Co. The factory made clear and colored blown and pressed glass. After operating at a loss and having labor issues, it closed in 1888. Whale oil was used as fuel for lamps from around 1800 to the 1850-60s. The whaling industry was the one of the largest industries in the U.S. in the 19th century. In 1853, at least 8,000 whales were slaughtered. Due to excessive whale hunting, the whale population declined so much that there was threat of extinction. At that time, the price of whale oil rose, so only the wealthy could afford it. Kerosene was discovered in the 1850s and soon became accessible to most people in both cities and suburban areas.

Not all Boston and Sandwich Glass whale oil lamps that have been electrified have diminished value. Your circa-1845 whale oil lamp would have a value of $85 to $185.

Q: What can you tell me about this mark? It is on a set of dinnerware that I recently bought at a flea market for $125. I liked the set and plan to use it at our lake house. The dishes are decorated with a yellow-and-brown plaid design. The set is a service for eight and includes several serving pieces.

A: Vernon Kilns made your dinnerware. It was located in Vernon, California, from 1931 to 1958. "Organdie" is the name of the pattern. It is hand-painted and was produced from 1937 to the 1950s. The dishes have the Vernon "Montecito" shape, which was the creation of designer Gale Turnbull.

Your hand-painted dinnerware set was made circa 1940 and would probably be worth $225 to $425.

Whale oil industry lasted from 1800 to the mid-1800s.

Vernon Kilns was located in California.

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.