Q: The die-cast toy tractor and wagon set was given to me in the 1950s when I was 8 years old. It is marked "Hubley — Kiddie Toy — Lancaster, PA. — Made in the U.S.A." Both the tractor and wagon are 5 inches long.

Although the red paint is worn, the overall condition looks very good. Since the paint is worn, I was wondering if I should repaint the set.

Any information you can provide will be appreciated.

A: John Hubley founded the Hubley Manufacturing Co. in Lancaster, Pa, in 1894. They were at one time the largest makers of cast iron toys. Around the middle of the 20th century, they started creating die-cast toys using a zinc alloy. The term, "Kiddie Toys," was used from 1946 to 1958.

Gabriel Industries bought the company in 1965, and today they continue to make die-cast toys as well as plastic toys and hobby kits.

Do not even think about painting your tractor and wagon! It would greatly diminish its value. Hubley toys are very popular with collectors; your circa 1950 set would probably be worth $100 to $125.

Q: This mark is on the back of my antique plate. The plate is decorated with a blue and white country scene, is 9 inches in diameter, and is in perfect condition.

What can you tell me about my plate and its value?

A: Minton and Hollings located in Stoke, England, used this mark between 1845 and 1873. Minton has made porcelain and earthenware since 1793 and is still in business. Over the years, they have used a number of different marks — they are often referred to as "Mintons."

Your plate would probably be worth $75 to $125.

Q: I have a porcelain chocolate set that belonged to my great-grandmother. The set includes a chocolate pot, and six each cups and saucers. The dishes are decorated with an ornate design of roses, green leaves, cobalt blue borders and gold embellishment. Marked on the bottom are the letters "L L" and "1900." The "1900" was placed there by my aunt.

What can you tell me about my set and its value?

A: The mark is a mystery; I found no information to identify the maker and origin. Porcelain factories in the U.S., Europe and Japan made similar chocolate sets around the turn of the last century. They were popular as wedding and graduation gifts in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The value of your chocolate set would probably be $200 to $250.

Q: I have a large green-leaf shaped dish that was purchased in the 1950s; it is approximately 15 inches long and 11 inches wide. The dish is textured with veins and oval depressions. On the back is a paper label with the word " —ETLOX — Manufacturing Co." I couldn't read the first letter.

I hope you can identify the maker and tell me if it has any value.

A: The letter you were unable to make out is an "M." Metlox Potteries, which was located in Manhattan Beach, Calif., from 1927 to 1989, made your leaf dish. It is part of their "Leaves of Enchantment" artware line that was introduced in the late 1950s.

Designed by Bob Allen and Mel Shaw, the line featured both functional and decorative pieces. They were inspired by "Mother Nature," which closely copied her shapes and colors. Judging from your description, you have Metlox's "Monstera" leaf pattern.

The value of your leaf dish would probably be $50 to $75.

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.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.