1918 gift already an antique when given

Dear Collector: This vase was given to my mother by my grandmother as a wedding gift in 1918. I would appreciate any information you could give me.

Even with the sketch you provided, the marks on the base of this pitcher are indeterminate because the potter, Mason’s of Fenton, Staffordshire, used this specific or similar backstamps for a number of years. Because it does not include “England,” I can assume this piece of ironstone ware was made before 1891, after which the McKinley Tariff Act necessitated inclusion of the producing country’s name. If that’s the case, your jug could have been 50 or 60 years old when your mother received it. It should be insured for a minimum of $200.

Dear Collector: I have a 1933 Chicago World’s Fair pocket knife with a picture of Mickey Mouse standing with his hands behind his back. Help on value would be appreciated.

This is an iffy item, because in the 1970s it was reported that a knife maker produced thousands of “fantasy” knives – not reproductions, more like “I wish it had been made, so I’ll make it” – that are now considered bona fide World’s Fair souvenirs. Jack knives from the 1930s should not have white handles; they should be on the yellowed side. Sorry, I don’t think you have the real thing.

Dear Collector: Is there any value to this unusual 1927 half-dollar coin honoring Vermont?

That state’s 150th (sesquicentennial) anniversary of joining the Union occurred in 1927, so Congress authorized more than 28,000 commemorative coins bearing the likeness of Ira Allen, one of the founders of Vermont, on the obverse, and a striding catamount (mountain lion) on the reverse. The U.S. Mint struck more than 2 million regular half-dollars that year, so your coin is relatively rare. Depending on condition, it could be worth more than $200.

Dear Collector: I swear my mother has a dish of sorts marked “Chicken of the Sea” when I was a girl in the 1950s. Was there such a thing?

Indeed, Van Kamp Sea Food, the parent company of COTS, had more than one type of porcelain or chinaware produced for them during the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s.

Dear Collector: We’ve tried to identify the maker of my wife’s pink teddy bear, but cannot. Here are some photos, including one of a partial tag that we think says “Merrythought.” Can you at least tell us when it was made?

Your small rayon bear was sold during the 1955-‘56 Christmas season at London’s venerable department store Harrods.

Dear Collector: I’m inquiring as to the age and history of a “Scott’s Emulsion Cod Liver Oil with Lime & Soda” bottle uncovered in our backyard while putting in a new septic system. Is it old?

Still in operation today, after nearly 125 years, Scotts now flavors their medicinal cod liver oil (brings back unpleasant childhood memories) with cherry or orange, to make it more palatable for children. Value on your backyard find would barely break eight bucks.