Q: I have enclosed a picture of a postcard. It is one of a set of four that have been in the family for a long time. Each has a picture of a young woman seated at an organ. Below her are the words of a poem/song titled "The Lost Chord." The set is numbered 1 through 4. Also, at the bottom of each card is the name "Bamforth."

Could you give me any information on these beautiful postcards?

A: Your postcards were made by Bamforth Printing in Holmfirth, England, around 1910. They were in business from the 1880s to 1969. It was an interesting company. Although, they produced postcards from the late 1800s, they also produced successful silent films until 1914. Their early postcards were sentimental and featured dreamy young women. "The Lost Chord" is a poem that was written in 1858 by Adelaide Anne Proctor and set to music in 1877 by composer, Arthur Sullivan. His brother, Fred, was gravely ill. Sullivan composed the music to honor his dying brother. As time went by, interest in wistful ladies waned, they began making postcards with saucy and amusing themes.

Your postcards were part of series and each one would probably be worth $5 to $15.

Q: I have enclosed the mark that is on the back of four small shell-shaped dishes. They are both yellow, have scalloped edges and each measures 3 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches. They are in perfect condition. I bought them at an estate sale and would like to know more about their maker and vintage.

A: You have a set of ashtrays that were made by Cowan Pottery. R. Guy Cowan founded his pottery in Cleveland in 1912. In 1921, he moved his factory to nearby Rocky River, Ohio. Cowan pieces were known for their sleek and strong shapes that were influenced by art deco designs. The Great Depression took its toll on the pottery, and the company was forced in bankruptcy. By 1932, all operations were ceased.

Your ashtrays were made in 1929. They were sold in sets of four. The Collector's Encyclopedia of Cowan Pottery lists their shape as No. 927-F. Your set would probably be worth $25 to $50.

Bamforth Printing was located in Holmfirth, England.

Cowan Pottery was founded by R. Guy Cowan in 1912.

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.