Q: This teapot has been in our family for several generations. It has a matte chocolate-brown background and is decorated with an Asian figure, a mountain scene, raised white dots and gold trim. My mother always kept it on a shelf; it is still in mint condition. Marked on the bottom are a wreath and the words "Hand Painted, Japan."

What can you tell me about my teapot?

A: You have a Satsuma style hand-painted teapot that was made in Satsuma, Japan. The matte chocolate-brown background, the Asian figure, the moriage (raised enamel white dots), and gold trim are typical of the Taisho period of Satsuma style in the 1920s. Satsuma is a province in the southwestern tip of Japan where potters have produced their wares since the 1600s.

Your teapot would probably be worth $125 to $150.

Q: This mark is on my set of dessert plates. The pastel-colored plates measure 7 inches in diameter. I use them for serving desserts or snacks, and a friend told me they are collectible.

Any information on the manufacturer, the vintage and value will be appreciated.

A: Taylor, Smith & Taylor created your plates. They were in business in Chester, W.Va., from 1901 to 1981. Introduced in 1938, "Lu-Ray" and "Vistosa" were two popular lines of dinnerware. "Lu-Ray" was available in the pastel colors: Windsor Blue, Sharon Pink, Surf Green and Persian Cream. "Vistosa" colors included vibrant blue, red, yellow and green.

In 1947, a new color — Chatham Gray — was added to the "Lu-Ray" line, but due to a lack of enthusiastic interest with consumers it was discontinued in 1952. Luray Caverns in Virginia inspired the name. Production of both lines ended in 1962.

Your plates are definitely collectible; they would fetch $10 to $15 each in an antique shop.

Q: I have a personal 1905 handwritten note on White House stationery by Teddy Roosevelt's daughter, Alice Roosevelt. My husband's grandmother wrote to her saying that she named her new daughter Alice Roosevelt. She responded with a note expressing her thanks for the compliment of having the child named after her.

Does this note have any monetary value?

A: Alice Roosevelt was the controversial, unconventional, witty daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt. One of her well-known quotes is: "If you haven't got anything nice to say about anybody, come sit next to me."

Your handwritten note would probably be worth $300 to $350.

Q: I have a Royal Rose gas range that is over 50 years old. It is full size and in excellent working condition. There are four burners and the oven door has a glass window.

Could you please tell me if my range has any value?

A: People who are restoring older homes or decorating with a retro design seek vintage kitchen appliances. Your vintage 1950s gas range would probably be worth $200 to $300.

Q: I would like to learn the value of my late 1950s electric toy pinball machine. It rests on a freestanding wood frame and is in excellent condition. The back contains the words "State Fair" across the top.

A: Your toy pinball machine is unusual; most that were made in the early to middle 1900s were tabletop models. Its value would probably be $125 to $150.

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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