Q: I have enclosed a photo of a dinner plate that was given to me by my aunt, and I am curious about it. She was very parsimonious. When she traveled, she would bring as a gift some soap from a hotel where she stayed or a few stones from a beach. When I married, she gave me this plate wrapped in newspaper. It didn't surprise me because I knew how economical she was. So I thanked her and just put it away. This was over 50 years ago.

The other day, I was looking at the plate and noticed the seal on the back, which shows a man holding a sign with the words "Woods — Burslem — England" and above them, the words "Colonial — Enoch 1784 — Ralph 1750." The plate is decorated with a country scene of cows, a stream, barn, gate and trees. It is purple with a beige background and in very good condition.

Can you tell me how much this plate might be worth? My aunt is deceased so I can't ask her. I would be surprised if it is valuable, but it would be nice to know.

A: The mark you describe was used by Enoch and Ralph Woods around 1931. Woods and Sons Pottery was founded in 1865 in Burslem, Staffordshire, England. It was family-operated until around 2005. "Colonial" is the name of the pattern. Your plate was decorated with a transfer print. Woods produced hotel china in this pattern. It may have been a souvenir from a hotel where your aunt stayed.

The value of your plate would probably be $35 to $50.

Q: I have enclosed a drawing of the mark that is on a porcelain demitasse set that I have. My husband purchased it in 1954 while serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. The set consists of six cups, six saucers, six dessert plates, a coffee pot, sugar bowl and cream pitcher.

I would appreciate any information you can provide for me.

A: Your set was made by Christian Seltmann in Weiden, Erbendorf, Bavaria, Germany. It has been in business since 1923.

Similar demitasse sets are selling in the range of $125 to $175.

Woods and Sons Pottery is located in Burslem, Staffordshire, England.

The Seltmann factory is 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