What’s It Worth?

Q:My pair of pitchers is blue and white with gold trim. They are marked with a beehive and the initials "D.B. & Co." I believe they were made after 1870 by Davenport & (?) in England. What are they worth? -- C.R.

Answer: The pitchers were made around the turn of the 20th century by Dunn Bennett & Co. (Ltd.) in Burslem, England. Variations of the company's beehive mark were used from 1875 to 1907. Dunn Bennett later became a division of Royal Doulton.

Since you did not supply the dimensions, I am assuming that they are milk or water pitchers. If they are in great shape, the pair would retail for about $45.

Q:I own a figurine made by Florence Ceramics of Pasadena, Calif. Her name, "Shirley," is marked on the base, along with the factory mark. She is in mint condition.

I have researched her on the Internet, but cannot find any info. I wonder if she is named after Shirley Temple. I would like to know more about her, including the value.-- D.S.

Answer: Florence Ward founded Florence Ceramics Company in Pasadena in 1939. The pottery specialized in figurines, mostly of women in period dress. The pieces were sold at gift shops around the country. It closed in the 1960s.

Florence figurines are very popular with collectors. She was made in the 1950s and would retail for about $200. There are numerous sources for the figurines, including Replacements.com.

There is no relationship, however, to Shirley Temple.

Have a question about an antique or collectible? Send e-mail to with a digital image, or send a complete description with a clear photograph to Jay Moore, Flair Department, Richmond Times-Dispatch, P.O. Box 85333, Richmond, VA 23293. Photographs will not be returned. The large volume of mail may mean a delay in publishing answers.