A: You have a Victorian cradle that was made during the Eastlake period of design. The straight lines, applied carving on the headboard, nine pierced slats and the out-swept legs on casters characterize the Eastlake style. F. Mohr and Co. made parlor and bedroom furniture in the late 1800s and early 1900s in New York City. The design of your cradle was patented on June 28, 1870.
The value would probably be $450 to $550.
Q: I have a service for 12 set of dishes that has been in my family for a long time. Included in the set are a soup tureen, serving bowl, platters, a gravy boat, sugar bowl and creamer. The borders are decorated with a Greek key pattern in black and gold. I have enclosed the mark that is on the back of each piece. Also included with the mark is the word ''Grecian.''
Could you tell who made my set and what it is worth?
A: Jaeger Porcelain and Co. made your dinnerware. They have produced porcelain in Bavaria, Germany, from 1898. "Grecian," the name of the pattern was inspired by the Greek Key design.
Your set was made around 1902 and would probably be worth $400 to $600.
Q: I bought a Mouseketeer doll at a garage sale a few years ago for $10. She is made of plastic, stands 8 inches tall and is in unplayed-with condition. She is wearing a Mickey Mouse hat, white blouse and blue skirt.
I also have the original box that has the words "Walt Disney's Official Mouseketeer - Horsman Doll Inc. - New York - America's Best Known and Best Loved Dolls Since 1865."
Could you please tell what my doll is worth?
A: Horsman Doll Inc. has a legacy of financial peaks and valleys as well as several owners, but is still producing dolls. Your doll was made around 1960 and would probably be worth $125 to $155.
It measures approximately 17 inches by 17 inches and has several different examples of script embroidered on linen. Around all four sides there is a decorative border of stylized green tulips. At the lower portion, are the names of grandparents, parents and brothers stitched in several different colors. Below that are the words "Edith Green Sampler Wrought in the Year of Our Lord 1809 and in the 11th Year of My Age."
What can you tell me about my sampler?
A: The evolution of American samplers began in Colonial days. They were teaching tools, first as way for young girls to learn to sew, then as a means of education. They not only learned needlework and design, but the alphabet, spelling and a little family history. As time went by, verses, houses, American eagles, flowers, fruits, birds, animals, schoolhouses, even figures of Adam and Eve were added to samplers.
Your alphabet sampler would probably be worth $500 to $800.
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.
