Jun 28, 2002 By Charles Mather 3 min read

Q. Can you discuss Rockingham wares? – Kyle, Berlin, ND. A. The term Rockingham is associated with ceramics manufactured in America between 1840 and 1900. It has a solid brown, mottled brown or streaked glaze. It was used by many potters on household articles. The wares were unmarked and are erroneously referred to as Bennington. The Rockingham glaze was used on Bennington wares, but the principal center in the United States was the area of East Liverpool, Ohio. Certain English wares also used a Rockingham name derived from the marquis of Rockingham. Your hound handle pitcher is by Harker, an American firm, and is a 20th century piece for $60.

Q. What are “cup plates”? – Connie, Greensboro, N.C.

A. In the first half of the 19th century, tea drinkers preferred sipping their tea from a saucer. China or glass cup plates were provided to hold the cup from which the brew had been poured. Pressed glass cup plates introduced in the 1820s replaced all other types in the hearts of tea drinkers. The Boston and Sandwich Glass Company was the acknowledged leader in the cup plate field. The cup plates themselves were impressed with various patterns, brilliantly conceived on lacy glass with a stippled background. Value guide: cup plate, sunburst center, amethyst color, $135.

Q. Can you list prices on Life magazines? – Trudy, Little Rock, Ark.

A. One of the most collectible magazines is Life, published weekly from Nov. 23, 1936 to Dec. 29, 1972. Life featured on the cover a variety of Hollywood stars, sports heroes, villains, famous politicians and other characters. Issues with exciting covers can sell as high as $75. Generic issues, with no big celebrity on the cover, sell for the following prices: 1930s issues from $8 to $12; 1940s $5 to $8; 1950s, $3 to $6; 1960s and 1970s, $1 to $3. The most sought-after issue of Life is the April 13, 1962, featuring an Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton cover. It included an insert of baseball cards with Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. With cards intact the magazine can fetch $200.Current Prices

– Bottle, whiskey, “Ce Tooraen Bayou Sara, La.,” $3,520.

– Political, woven silk portrait, F.D.R., “The Great President,” $350.

– Toy, magic set, Rootie Kazootie, boxed, 1950s, $150.

– Mortar and Pestle, Hardwood, worn finish, small, $125.

– Advertising, tin potato chip can, Kuehmann Foods, Hopalong Cassidy, $200.

– Thermometer, German silver pocket type, $100.

– Comic Book, Captain Video, 1951, $60.

– Purse, petit point, scene, ornate clasp, French, $300.

– Souvenir, pin, Philadelphia My City, celluloid, $15.

– Candy Container, glass, fat boy on drum, original paint, $675.

Write to Charles Mather in care of the Herald-Standard at Crown Syndicate, Inc., P.O. Box 99126, Seattle, Wash. 98199 or call 206-285-1888.