Q: I am enclosing a photo of a plate that once belonged to my grandmother. I am now 82, so it must be very old. It is decorated with leaves and vines against a cream background. The leaves and vines are raised from the surface of the plate. It measures over 11 inches in diameter and is in very good condition. Marked on the back are the words "Germany," the number "176" and a clover shape impressed into the plate.

I am interested in finding out anything about the manufacturer, where it was made, its age, and if there is any value to it. Any information you can provide would be very much appreciated.

A: You have an example of majolica pottery that was made in Germany.

Majolica is tin glazed pottery that is decorated with brightly colored flowers and animals. It was extremely popular in Renaissance Italy in the 15th century. It was imported to Italy from the island of Majorca and eventually the brilliantly hand-painted wares were call majolica. Majolica ware experienced a rebirth of interest and production during the Victorian Era in Europe and the Unites States. Pieces marked with an impressed clover and the word "Germany" were made in Zell, Harmersbach, Badenia, Germany, in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The number "176" is a design number. Georg Schmider Ceramic Factory was one of the several majolica factories in the Zell region. Chances are your plate was made by Schmider after the turn of the 20th century.

Similar plates are in the range of $100 to $150.

Q: I have had a set of porcelain dishes for a number of years. It is a service for eight and includes an oval platter and round platter. They are decorated with brown and pink flowers. On the back of each dish is the name "Wildbriar."

I'm pushing 80 years old and trying to let my daughter know the history and value of my set.

A: Your set of dinnerware was made by Josiah Wedgwood, which is located in Etruria and Barlaston, Staffordshire, England. Wedgwood has been in business since 1759 and is still in business. "Wildbriar" is the name of the your pattern and it was introduced around 1957.

The value of your set would probably be $800 to $1200.

This Majolica plate was made in Zell, Germany.

Josiah Wedgwood established his pottery in 1759.

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