Q: This is a photo of several pieces of Bavarian porcelain dishes that my grandmother hand-painted between 1900 and 1903. She took china-painting classes, and the dishes were fired three times at the school's kiln. In the three years that she attended classes, she painted a complete set for twelve people that included 135 pieces.

Thank you for any information you can provide.

A: In America, amateur china painting was all the rage in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Ladies of leisure attended china-painting classes. They were instructed on how to create designs and scenes. Nature, fruit and geometric shapes were the most popular themes. China blanks (white, undecorated porcelain) were made in France, Germany and Austria and imported to the United States. Students could decorate specific pieces that appealed to them or complete a set of dinnerware. The hobby faded by the end of World War I. Many women either no longer had the free time to practice hobbies, or they took up other interests. The price of imported porcelain increased at that time, too. The pieces that remain today are a reminder of this charming era.

Your china reflects the influence of both naturalist and geometric designs. The set was made around the turn of the last century and would probably be worth between $150 and $175.

Q: I have enclosed a photo of the mark that is on the back of a small cast-iron skillet I own. It belonged to my great-grandmother. Near the mark are the words "Erie - Pa. U.S.A. — No 3." The skillet dimensions are approximately 7 inches in diameter and 1.25 inches deep. I am the fourth generation to use it and I plan to pass it down to my daughter. It is perfect for making one or two eggs.

What can you tell me about its maker, history and value?

A: The Griswold Manufacturing Company made your cast-iron skillet around the year 1940. They were located in Erie, Pennsylvania, and produced an assortment of sizes from 1865 to the late 1950s. "No 3" refers to the size. Griswold Manufacturing Company made cast-iron skillets, roasters, Dutch ovens, waffle irons, pots and kettles. In the 1920s, Miss Etta Moses was responsible for answering letters and questions regarding cookware. Using the pseudonym Aunt Ellen, she published advice and recipes for Griswold cookware owners. She appeared in advertisements in women's magazines. In 1957, the company was sold to the Wagner Manufacturing Company in Sidney, Ohio. They closed in 1999.

Vintage cast-iron cookware is collectible. Your small skillet would probably be worth $25 to $35.

(SET IMAGE) amc042216adAP.jpg (SET IMAGE) (SET CAPTION) China painting was popular around the turn of the 20th century. (END CAPTION)

. Griswold Manufacturing Company was located in Erie, Pennsylvania.

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.