Q: I have sent a photo of a cobalt blue mug that must be at least 100 years old. On the side are these words in gold: "Seagram's VO Canadian." On the bottom are these words: "Canadian Whisky — 86.8 Proof A Blend — 6 Years Old — Distillers Co. N.Y." It stands over 5 inches tall, and the square bottom is 4 inches square. It holds 24 ounces and is in mint condition.

What can you tell me about its value?

A: You have a Seagram's stoneware pub/bar pitcher. It is an example of advertising memorabilia. You pitcher would appeal to collectors of alcohol-related items, barware and also advertising. There is a plethora of these pitchers that can be found for sale on the Internet and also in antiques and collectible shops. Your pitcher was made in the mid-20th century and would probably be worth $25 to $45.

Q: I have a set of porcelain china that is marked with the enclosed trademark. It is a service for 12 and includes cake plates, serving pieces and two tea services, each with creamer and sugar bowls. The dishes are white and decorated with multicolored flowers in the center. On the borders are flowers and scrolls. The edges are scalloped and trimmed in gold. I purchased the set starting in the late 1970s and through the 1980s. I do not know the name of the pattern.

I emailed the factories in East and West Germany, but they were of no help.

Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

A: Philip Rosenthal founded his porcelain factory in Selb, Bavaria, Germany, in 1879. It is still in business and also produces glassware. The mark you enclosed was used after World War II. The German Democratic Republic was located in the Soviet Zone from the end of World War II until 1990, when the GDR was dissolved and Germany reunited. I found no information on the name of the pattern. If you are looking for pieces to add to your set, you might consider sending a clear photo and a detailed description to a matching service.

The insurance value of your circa 1970s dinnerware would probably be $2,500 to $2,800.

Seagram's pub pitcher appeals to advertising collectors.

Rosenthal China was founded in Selb, Bavaria, Germany, in 1879.

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.