Q: This is a photo of a Mission Oak sideboard that I purchased from an antique dealer in Lincoln, Neb., in 1985. It is quarter sawn oak, with the original finish, and copper hardware. The overall measurements are 56 inches high, 2 feet wide and 6 feet long. It has storage for many of our china and glassware. There is no mark identifying the maker.

I am not considering selling it, but would like to know what it is worth today as well as any other information about its history.

A: The straight lines, simplicity of design, copper hardware, corbel supported shelf above the mirror and quarter sawn oak are characteristics of Mission Oak/Arts and Crafts furniture. Gustav Stickley, his brothers — L. and J.G. Stickley — Roycroft and Limbert often marked their furniture with burned-on trademarks or metal labels. Unfortunately for collectors today, many of the Arts and Crafts producers failed to include permanent marks. A plethora of manufacturers were located in Grand Rapids, Mich. Chances are that was where your sideboard was made.

Your sideboard is circa 1900 and would probably be worth $1,200 to $1,500.

Q: I inherited several plates from my great-aunt and would like to learn more about them. I have enclosed the mark that is on the back of each one. The plates are 10 inches in diameter; they are decorated with cobalt blue flowers against a white background with scalloped edges. My great-aunt always kept them in her china cabinet so they are in excellent condition.

Anything you can tell me about my plates will be greatly appreciated.

A: You have a set of semi-porcelain flow blue plates created by New Wharf Pottery Co. They produced earthenware and semi-porcelain in Burslem, Staffordshire, England, from 1878 to 1884. The mark you provided was used from 1890 to 1894. "Waldorf" is the name of the pattern.

Each plate is circa 1890 and would probably fetch $125 to $150 in an antique shop.

Q: I have a couple of questions about old kitchen meat grinders. For several years, I have been collecting them — I have found many manufacturers and sizes. Universal seems to be the most common maker.

Does anyone else collect meat grinders and are they of any value?

A: People do collect meat grinders as well as other kitchen gadgets. Universal, Keen Kutter, Keystone and L. F. and Co. were some of the major manufacturers of meat grinders, which were mainly made around 1900.

Your meat grinders have a value that ranges from $15 to $50, depending on the condition and whether you have all the parts and accessories.

Q: I have inherited a vase from my grandmother. It is in perfect condition and stands over 9 inches high. The vase is decorated with a green glaze that shades to a dark brown. Marked on the bottom are the words "A R P Co. — Roseville — USA — 208."

Could you please tell me more about my vase and its estimated value?

A: The first letter in the mark is an "R" rather than an "A." The mark was used by Robinson Ransbottom Co. — it is either timeworn or just a bad mark. They have been located in Roseville, Ohio, since 1900. Over the years, they have produced gardenware, cookie jars and commemorative mugs and crocks.

The mark was utilized as early as 1920 and "208" is a design number.

Your circa 1920 vase would probably be worth $25 to $35.

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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