Majolica Pitcher Holds its Value

Q: The pictured antique pitcher is in mint condition. It stands approximately 8 inches tall. On the bottom is a diamond-shaped mark. At the top is the Roman numeral "IA." Going clockwise is the number "17," the letters "E" and "W," and the number "4." The letters "Rd" are in the center of the diamond.

What can you tell me about my pitcher?

A: You have a Victorian majolica pitcher. "Rd" is a British Registry mark that shows the design was registered with the British government. "IA" establishes that your pitcher is made of a type of ceramic material, "17" refers to the day of the month it was made, "E" represents the year 1881, "W" stands for March and "4" is the parcel. Majolica is tin glazed pottery, which is decorated with vibrant colors and nature-inspired designs. It was made in the United States, England and Europe from the mid-1900s to the early 1900s.

Your pitcher is a desirable antique and would fetch $375 to $475 in an antiques shop.

Q: This mark is on a set of porcelain dishes that my mother bought around 1930. She gave me the set when I married 62 years ago, and it is in excellent condition. I believe they were purchased from the

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