Q: The pictured antique Singer treadle sewing machine was passed along to me from my mother. I'm not certain, but it was either her mother's or grandmother's. The cabinet is oak with an iron frame and five drawers; the machine is stored beneath the lid and slides up when the lid is opened. The machine, decorated with an ornate gold design against a black background, still works by pedaling the treadle.

I am interested in learning more information about the history of my sewing machine as well as its value.

A: Singer Sewing Machine Co. was founded by Isaac Merrit Singer along with attorney, Edward C. Clark, in New York in 1851. From 1868 to 1954, the cabinets were made in South Bend, Ind. SVP Worldwide Co. currently owns the company.

Your machine was made around 1920. Since it uses no electricity, it is "green" and would probably be worth $175 to $225.

Q: Enclosed is a mark drawn on the bottom of my antique table lamp's base. The electric lamp has four light bulbs with pull chains. The shade contains caramel-colored glass sections in a metal frame with a metal base. It stands approximately 25 inches tall and is in extremely good condition.

It has been in our family for several generations, and I hope you can please tell me if it has any value.

A: You have an early 1900s caramel slag glass shade with a metal overlay. Bradley and Hubbard Co. used the enclosed mark. Walter Hubbard and his brother-in-law, Nathaniel Bradley, established their company in Meriden, Conn., in 1854. They produced a variety of metal objects that included lamps, andirons, desk sets and accessories.

Collectors light up at the prospect of finding a signed Bradley and Hubbard lamp. Your lamp was made around 1915 and would probably be worth $800 to $1,200.

Q: I have two large dinner plates I found in a house, which I bought some years ago in upstate New York. They are decorated with blue and white Oriental scenes of people on a bridge, with trees and birds in the sky. Each dish has three compartments; marked on the back of each are the words: "Willow — W. R. Midwinter — Burslem, England — Reg. No. 741089."

Thank you for any information you can give me.

A: Judging from your description, you have a pair of Willow Ware plates. The scenes tell the story of a young couple fleeing a disapproving parent with the birds representing their spirits. Willow Ware was produced in Europe and the U.S. in abundance in the late 1800s and early 1900s. W. R. Midwinter Pottery created ironstone and earthenware in Burslem, Staffordshire, England, since 1910. "No. 741089" is a British Registry number indicating the pattern was registered with the government in 1928.

Your early 1900s plates would probably be worth $20 to $30 apiece.

Q: When my parents married in 1928, they received a silver electric coffeemaker with matching creamer and sugar. Although they never used the pot, I tried it and it still works. The set was originally silver plate, but my parents had it chromed so it didn't need to be polished. On the bottom of the pot are the words: "The Buffalo Mfg. Co. — Buffalo, New York."

I cherish this set and would like to know more about it and its possible value.

A: The Buffalo Manufacturing Co. made silver plate hollowware in the late 1800s and early 1900s. While a few pieces are surfacing on eBay and in replacement services, there is little history and background on the company.

The value of your set would probably be $125 to $135.

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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