Q:I own a carved figurine of a cat that I was told was bought in Cairo. I would like to know its origin, age and value. In addition, what do the hieroglyphics mean? Is it a valuable antiquity or just a paperweight?—J.L.F. Answer: It is a pottery souvenir made in Egypt. The cat was revered in ancient Egypt to such a degree that a cat-form goddess was created named Bastet. In practical terms, cats protected the grain stores from rats.

Q:While clearing out my mother’s house, I found a pair of chairs. One is an armchair, the other, a rocker. They are in good shape except for minor damage to the rocker. How old are they and what are they worth?—K. Answer: This pair of transitional arts and crafts chairs was manufactured around the turn-of-the century. It may have been part of a suite that included other seating, such as a matching settee and several side chairs.

Q:I inherited my grandfather clock, presumably made in Germany in the 1850s. It has no marks. It was bought in Pennsylvania in the 1970s and is in good condition. What is it worth?—D.E. Answer: This oak and mahogany tall case clock was made in England between 1790 and 1820. I cannot give you information about the maker because it is not marked. Most English clocks are signed by the makers.

Q:My hutch opens up into a desk. It is made of fancy wood with turned legs and is marked with a metal tag that reads “Landstrom Furniture, 1879, Rockford, Illinois. I would like to know its age and value.—K.H. Answer: It is a secretary bookcase manufactured in the late 1920s or early’30s. It is typical of the era, when furniture designers often combined several early styles, in this case, a mishmash of Chippendale and Sheraton.

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.

Q:I inherited my bowl 20 years ago. It is marked “Noritake, Nippon, hand painted” and “RC.“ I have found some information on the Internet, but would like to know more, including its value. It is in good condition.—J.K. Answer: The mark “Nippon” means Japan. Its use on imports to America ended in 1921 after passage of the McKinley Tariff Act. Noritake is a trademark used by the importers Morimura Brothers beginning in 1904. Noritake is still in business.

Q:Please tell me about my china orb. It is marked “To Commemorate the Crowning of Queen Elizabeth the Second, June 2, 1953” and on the bottom “Minton, Made in England, Limited Issue of 600 of which this is No. 117.“—P.S. Answer: The famous pottery was founded by Thomas Minton in Stoke-On-Trent in 1793. Minton bone china became very popular during the Victorian period after the firm displayed its products at a large exhibition in London in 1851.

Q:Can you tell me about my furniture that I acquired in 1981? Inside a drawer, there is a tag with numbers but no factory name. The furniture originated in North Carolina. It is in very good condition.—B.M. Answer: Your late Victorian bedroom suite was manufactured around the turn of the 20th century. The pieces appear to match and include a bed, dresser with mirror and washstand. It appears to be made of walnut. The set would retail for about $700.

Q:I believe my painted lamp is made of cast iron. The shade, which matches the base, is lined with fabric. What can you tell me?—F.B. Answer: This polychrome metal boudoir lamp was manufactured during the late 1930s. It probably is made of cast iron or spelter. It originally may have had glass or some other material rather than fabric inside the shade.

Q:I inherited a large covered urn with handles. I was never told exactly what it is, its age, origin or value. It stands about 18 inches high. It has raised areas and includes a brightly colored panel showing some men.—S.S. Answer: It is a Japanese moriage porcelain jar made during the first half of the 20th century. Moriage features relief decoration. It was made by applying slip to a porcelain form that was then hand-painted and fired.

Q:My mother always referred to this vase simply as “the old thing.“ However, she never got rid of it. It is made of bronze and marble. The metal is engraved or cast with colored enamel decoration, except for the cupid. It has no markings that I can find. It is in excellent condition. Where was it made, and how old is it? I really do not care about its value.—H.D.

Q:I would like information about my chair that is purported to have been used aboard a cruise ship. It is made of dark, inlaid wood [with casters]. I searched the Internet, but I cannot find information.—S.S. Answer: This chair was manufactured in America around the turn of the 20th century. It may have been part of a suite that was meant for use in a late-Victorian parlor. More than likely it spent the past 100 years on land.

Q:I bought an antique chest in Austria about 20 years ago. It is painted in bright colors. I believe that it is at least 300 years old. It is about 4 feet wide by 2½ feet high. What is it worth?—J.S. Answer: This painted blanket chest was made in Austria in 1813. If you look closely at the front of the chest, you will be able to see the date: “18” over the first double eagle cartouche and “13” over the second one.

Q:I own an antique peanut roaster that once belonged to my grandfather. It is a cart on wheels with a brass tag that reads “The Bartholomew Co., Peoria, ILL.“ It appears to be in good condition. What is its history and value?—M.K. Answer: Commercial peanut roasters and popcorn machines on wheels were used by street vendors in America beginning around the turn of the 20th century. Early carts such as this one often were kerosene-fired. Most of the machines sold for a few dollars.

Q:What can you tell me about my wicker furniture that I inherited from my grandmother? There are three pieces including, a bench, armchair and side table. All are marked “Heywood Brothers - Wakefield Company.“- J.H. Answer: Cyrus Wakefield founded Wakefield Rattan in the 1850s in Massachusetts. The company merged with chair maker Heywood Brothers around 1897. The firm eventually became America’s largest manufacturer of wicker furniture.