Q: This is a photo of one of a set of six matching porcelain dessert plates. They are decorated with sprigs of pastel flowers and have scalloped edges that are trimmed in gold. Each dish measures 7 inches in diameter. Marked on the bottom of each is a double red circle with the words "Limoges — A. Lanternier — France." The set is in flawless condition.

Any information you can provide on the maker, age and value of my dishes will be greatly appreciated.

A: A. Lanternier made you dessert plates. Francois Frederic Lanternier and his family began their porcelain exporting firm in the 1880s in Limoges, France. When son Alfred joined the firm, the name was changed to A. Lanternier. In the 1960s, they merged with Porcelaines G D A. The double red circle was applied over the glaze; it was used from 1891 to 1914.

Your set of six dessert plates would probably be worth $30 to $60.

Q: The enclosed mark is on the back of an ironstone vegetable bowl that my mother gave me in 1985. It is 10 inches long and decorated with a blue, red-orange and green Asian design.

I don't think it is very old but would like to know more about its history.

A: G. L. Ashworth & Bros. located in Staffordshire, England, used this mark around 1968. In 1848, Mason's Patent Ironstone China suffered financial difficulties, and the factory was sold to Francis Morley. In 1849, he and G. L. Ashworth established a firm and together bought Mason's molds and designs. They proceeded to reissue original patterns. The name of the factory became G.L. Ashworth & Bros. in 1862. Waterford and Wedgwood acquired the company in 1968. Objects marked "Made in England" were usually made after 1920. The mark you enclosed was used around 1968.

The value of your vegetable bowl might be in the range of $25 to $50.

Q: I have a terra-cotta toy whistle that belonged to my great-grandfather when he was a child, around the year 1900. It is about 3 inches tall and shaped like a dog wearing a jacket and sitting up. There are mold marks on each side, and the terra-cotta is unpainted. The whistle works; it is sharp and clear.

Is my whistle antique or junque?

A: Your whistle is an example of a toy whistle from simpler times. It is very collectible.

Antique toy whistles are eagerly sought-after by collectors. Its value would probably be in the $50 to $100 range.

Dessert plates were made in Limoges, France.

G. L. Ashworth and Brothers were located in Staffordshire, England.

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.