Q: I have enclosed a photo of a child's porcelain tea set. Marked in green on the bottom of each dish is an "M" in a wreath and the words "Noritake — Made in Japan." I believe the set was made before World War II; it has been in our china cabinet for as long as I can remember and remains in mint condition.

Would you be able to tell me anything about my set and whether it has any value?

A: The Morimura Bros. established Noritake China Co. in 1904 in Nagoya, Japan. They had offices in New York and Tokyo, which exported high quality china from Japan; it was decorated with designs that appealed to Western tastes. The letter "M" in the wreath represents the Morimura Bros.

Children's tea sets are perennial favorites with many collectors. Since you didn't mention if your set is a service for four, six or eight, we will assume it is a service for four.

Your service set for four was made around 1920 and would probably be worth $150 to $175.

Q: This mark is on the back of my 8-inch diameter plate. The plate is decorated with a portrait of a blond woman in an old fashioned gown, with a pink rose in her hair, against a dark blue border with gold filigree. On the back of the plate are the words "1904 Pittsburgh Commandery — 29th Triennial — San Francisco — Cal."

I am interested in the history and value of my plate. Could it be a welcome addition to a museum?

A: Your plate was made by Knowles, Taylor and Knowles to commemorate a Masonic event that occurred in San Francisco in 1904. Fraternal organization memorabilia are very collectible. Knowles, Taylor and Knowles made semi-vitreous porcelain in East Liverpool, Ohio, from 1890 to 1929. Masonic organizations as well as some historical societies would most likely be happy to add your plate to their collections.

The value of your 1904 commemorative plate would probably be $50 to $75.

Q: Fifty-eight years ago, I was given a Cinderella doll made by Madame Alexander. The hard plastic doll stands approximately 14 inches tall; it is in very good condition. She is wearing the original gown, shoes and blond wig. Her eyes open and close, limbs are jointed and her lips are a coral red.

Does my doll have any value today?

A: Madame Beatrice Alexander Behram founded her doll company in 1923. Beautifully molded painted faces, sleep eyes with eyelashes, realistic wigs as well as expertly detailed costumes characterize her exceptional dolls. Over the years she designed several versions of the Cinderella character.

The circa 1950 Cinderella doll would probably be worth $175 to $275.

Q: For at least 70 years, I can remember a cast iron dog doorstop that was placed against the sun-room door in my mother's home. Before she had it, the doorstop was in my grandmother's home — I know it has to be very old. It is a black and white Boston terrier, has no manufacturer's mark, and stands around 9 inches tall. He is standing with his head turned to the right. Even though there are a few minor pieces of painting missing, it is otherwise in good condition.

I would never part with it, but would like to know if it is a collectible with any value.

A: Cast iron doorstops are extremely popular antiques. Several different manufacturers made them in multiple shapes from the middle 1800s to the 1940s.

Your doorstop was created around 1920 and would probably be worth $275 to $375.

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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