Q: I purchased the bisque mermaid figurine at an antique shop. It measures approximately 2.5 inches high by 2.5 inches wide. Impressed on the base is the word "Germany."

Anything you can tell me about its vintage and value will be appreciated.

A: Bisque and porcelain mermaids, sea nymphs and bathing beauties figurines are extremely desirable collectibles. Most were made between the late 1800s and the early 1900s in Germany and Japan. Many pieces were only marked with the country of origin, making it impossible to identify the manufacturers. Mermaids that were made in Germany are far more rare and more difficult to find than bathing beauties. Japanese factories not only made many pretty mermaids, they also produced a sea of crudely executed mermaids designed for fish tanks.

The subtly tinted bisque, delicately painted features, detailed hair design and the realistic representation of the sea horse are exceptional. Even though German-made mermaids are nonpareil, collectors seek mermaids made in both Germany and Japan.

The value of your circa 1900 mermaid would probably be $100 to $150.

Q: Enclosed is a hand-drawn mark that is featured on the back of my flow blue. The platter measures around 12 inches by 9 inches and is in perfect condition.

What can you tell me about the manufacturer, the age and the value of my platter?

A: Your drawing of the mark was very good. But first let me correct two things. The pattern name is "Keswick" rather than "Kerwick," and the maker's name is "Wood" instead of "Woop." Flow blue marks are often fuzzy and difficult to read.

Now, let me answer your questions. Wood and Son have made ironstone and earthenware in Burslem, Staffordshire, England, since 1865. Your platter was made sometime between 1891 and 1907.

Its value would probably be $400 to $500.

Q: When my mother began cleaning closets after she decided to downsize her living arrangement, she found an old Coca-Cola tin tray that her mother bought around 1930. It is rectangular with a picture of a woman in a bathing suit holding a bottle of Coke in her right hand. The overall measurements are 10 inches by 13 inches, and the words "Drink Coca-Cola" are at the top and bottom.

Does it have any value?

A: Coca-Cola memorabilia continues to be collectible. Your tray was used for serving; it was made around 1930.

Your tray would probably be worth $650 to $750.

Q: I have a framed Maxfield Parrish print that is titled "Enchantment." The scene shows a young woman standing on stairs in the moonlight. She is wearing a medieval gown and cloak, while looking off to the side with a dreamy expression. There are urns filled with flowers on either side of her, and the picture is bathed with deep blues and warm golden lights. It is approximately 20 inches long by 10 inches high; it is in excellent condition.

I can remember it hanging in my grandmother's living room when I was a child. I would never part with it, but would like to know if it has any value.

A: Your Parrish print is also titled "Cinderella." It appeared on a 1914 "Harper's Bazaar" magazine cover as well as on a 1926 calendar. Parrish was born in Philadelphia in 1870, but lived and worked most of his adult life in Cornish, N.H. He died in 1966.

Your framed vintage print would probably be worth $300 to $500.

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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