Q: Can you help me decide the value of a red glass toothpick holder that was my grandmother's? It has the words "World's Fair 1893" on it and is decorated with flowers and leaves.
A: The 1893 World's Fair Columbian Exposition was held in Chicago. Souvenirs similar to yours would probably be worth about $35 to $45.
Q: I have a beautiful porcelain tea set, in mint condition, consisting of six cups and saucers, teapot, sugar and creamer. Each piece is decorated with hand-painted flowers and leaves and the cups are footed. They are all marked "Nippon." I believe the set is over 50 years old.
Would you tell me what you think the value of my set would be?
A: Japanese wares made for export for the American market from 1891 to 1921 were marked with the word "Nippon." Your tea set would probably be worth about $600 to $650.
Letters with picture(s) are welcome and may be answered in the column. We cannot reply personally or return pictures. Address your letters to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 490, Notre Dame, IN. 46556.