Q: This is a photo of a small vase that belonged to my grandmother. It is shaped like the head of a lady. When I visited her as a child, I always asked to see it. Sometimes she would tell me to go in her garden and pick small flowers to put in it. It stands about 4 inches tall and is in mint condition. The lady is wearing a light blue hat with pink flowers. She has long eyelashes and real earrings. Marked on the bottom are the words "Napco — 897 — 1960."

What can you tell me about my vase?

A: You have a ceramic lady head vase. It is a collectible. Most were made for florists for small flower arrangements. They were popular from the 1940s to the 1970s. They were usually 5 to 7 inches tall, and they reflected sophisticated fashions of the 20th century, including hats, gloves, earrings and pearls. Some head vases were in the image of celebrities and film stars. "Napco" is the mark used by the National Pottery Corporation. It has been located in Bedford, Ohio, since 1938. The corporation made ceramic and glass giftware, houseware, novelties, florist ware and Christmas ceramics. Lady head vases were also made by the American Ceramic Artist Studio, Lefton China Co., Enesco, Ucagco, Betty Lou Nichols, INARCO and Dorothy Copley.

Your lady head vase was made in 1960 and would probably be worth $25 to $50.

Q: This mark is on a set of dinnerware that I inherited. It is a service for eight, and it includes all the serving pieces. On the back of each dish are the words "Sunrise Dinnerware." The dishes are decorated with floral bands against a white background.

I am downsizing and have to decide whether I want to keep this set or sell it. Anything you can tell me about its history will be appreciated.

A: The Homer Laughlin China Co. made your dinnerware. It was founded by Homer and Shakespeare Laughlin in 1871. They had factories in East Liverpool, Ohio, and Newell, West Virginia. The factories were sold in the early 1900s to Louis Aaron and his sons and W.E. Wells. The Laughlin name is still used today. The product marks often reveal vital information. The number "17 - N" shows your set was made around 1907 at the Newell plant. Sunrise dinnerware was sold through Montgomery Ward and Sears.

Your dinnerware set would probably be worth $150 to $250.

Lady head vases were made from the 1940s to the 1970s.

Homer Laughlin China Co. was founded in 1871.

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.