Q: I want to learn more about my two-piece, solid maple, Western-style bedroom suite. Enclosed is a photo of the "Village Smithy" carving that is on both the footboard of the bed and the chest of drawers. The headboard is a wagon wheel, and the mirror on the chest is shaped as a horseshoe. The words "Virginia House Maple" are burned into the wood on the inside of one of the drawers.

Any information would be wonderful. And it would be helpful if you know the value.

A: Located in Atkins, Va., Virginia House Furniture Co. made your maple bedroom set sometime in the late 1940s to the early 1950s. They produced a well-made line of maple bedroom furniture that was marketed to children. Their designs were inspired by nautical, western, pioneer and airplane motifs.

Similar sets are selling in the range of $300 to $500.

Q: I have enclosed a photo of the mark seen on the bottom of my platter. The platter is decorated with Southwestern pottery, chili peppers and fruit against a white background, and there is a red band on the border. Measuring 10 inches in diameter, it is round and in mint condition.

Anything you can tell me about the maker, vintage and value will be appreciated.

A: Located in Crooksville, Ohio, Crooksville China Co. created your platter in the 1930s. In business from 1902 to 1959, they made semi-porcelain dinnerware and kitchenware. Their "Pantry BAK-IN WARE" line was decorated with a variety of decal designs on a plethora of dishes that included teapots, kitchen sets, coffee pots, jugs, juice sets and dinnerware.

Southwestern and Mexican themes were popular in the 1930s and 1940s.

Your platter is circa 1930 and would fetch $25 to $35 in an antiques shop.

Q: I found a 78 rpm record album while sorting through my uncle's home after he passed away. Before I dispose of things, I would like to know if it has any value. The album is Capitol's "Stories for Children" told by "The Great Gildersleeve." On the cover of the album, there are illustrations of children's fairy tales. Each record is in excellent condition.

A: The Great Gildersleeve was a famous radio personality in the 1940s. Your album was the second in a music series for children.

Your records were made around 1946, and the album would probably be worth $10 to $15.

Virginia House Furniture's Western line was geared toward children.

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.