ARTHUR WOOD JACK AND THE BEANSTALK PITCHER

Q: I have a Jack and the Beanstalk pitcher. It's 8 1/2 inches high with a figural giant handle. The maker's stamp on the bottom is "Arthur Wood" on a banner over a globe. How old is it and is it a collectible?

A: Arthur Wood established a pottery at the Bradwell Works in Longport, Stoke-on-Trent, England, in 1904. The pottery made earthenware and was known for its teapots. In 1928 it became Arthur Wood & Son. The mark you describe was used beginning c.1934. The company is now part of the Rayware Group. Value of your pitcher, about $200.

BRIMAUR MARK

Q: I have a little pitcher or creamer that is incised on the bottom "brimaur farm pottery n.y." I can't find any info on it online or in any pottery books.

A: Your little Brimaur pitcher is probably a maple syrup pitcher. We found a 1954 gift-shop ad for Brimaur ceramics, but the company's history remains a mystery. Brimaur syrup pitchers or creamers sell for under $15 today. Some of the pottery was marked "Elizabethtown, N.Y." Does anyone have more information about this pottery?

SYLVAN WASH BOWL AND PITCHER

Sylvan Wash Bowl and Pitcher

Q: This wash bowl and pitcher set has been in our family for over 100 years. For the past 50 years, I have been wondering where the set was made and what it's worth. The printed mark is on the bottom of both the bowl and pitcher. What can you tell us?

A: Your wash bowl and pitcher were made at the Trent Pottery in Eastwood, Staffordshire, England. John Heath Davis (the J.H. Davis in the mark) operated the pottery from 1881 to 1891. "Sylvan" is the name of the Davis pattern used on your set. It's blue with gold highlights and pink outlining. Not all pieces in the pattern were done with highlighting and outlining. There should also be an English registry mark on the bottom of your bowl and pitcher. If the pieces were made before 1884, the mark is diamond-shaped. If they were made between 1884 and 1891, the mark is a number following the abbreviation "Rd. No." Either mark indicates the year Davis registered the dishes' designs, but not necessarily the year the dishes were made. Bowl and pitcher sets the age of yours sell for $250 to $600.