Q: Enclosed is a photo of an antique shelf clock that belonged to my husband's grandmother. It is in perfect condition and stands 24 inches tall, 16 inches wide and 5 inches deep. There are mirrors on the sides and I think the wood is walnut. It is an 8 day key wind, has a brass spring movement and strikes on the hour and the half hour. We do have the original brass key. On the back is a label with the words "New Haven Clock Co." Anything you can tell us about its history, age and value will be greatly appreciated. We would never part with it, and we plan to have it insured.

A: New Haven Clock Co. made your shelf/parlor clock. They were in business in New Haven, Connecticut, from 1853 to 1960. You have an example of their "Occidental" model that was made around 1890. The turned finals, side mirrors, gilt metal figures, head of the goddess Minerva, carved crest at the top and Roman numerals are typical of this model. Your clock should be insured for $1,200 to $1,500.

Q: This mark is on a set of three nesting mixing bowls in the "Autumn Leaf" pattern. They originally belonged to my grandmother who came from Yugoslavia. The larger bowl measures 9 inches in diameter; the medium size is 7 inches, and the smallest one is 5 inches. They look like they have never been used. Do you have any idea what the set might be worth?

A: Hall's China Co. was founded in East Liverpool, Ohio, in 1903. They introduced their "Autumn Leaf" pattern in 1933. They produced a complete line of kitchenware that was sold exclusively through Jewel Tea Co. located in Barrington, Illinois. They sold food and coffee door-to-door and the "Autumn Leaf" wares were given as premiums for items purchased. Mary Dunbar was the maiden name of the "Jewel Tea Lady," Mary Reed Hartson. She wrote a monthly newsletter and a cookbook for Jewel Tea Co. The pattern was decorated with the decal leaf design and in production until the mid-1970s. Your set of nesting mixing bowls would probably be worth $50 to $75.

New Haven Clock Co. was located in New Haven, Connecticut.

This autumn-leaf pattern was introduced by Hall's China Co. in 1933.

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

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