Q&A on Collecting: Mixing bowl is a Betty Crocker classic

Q: Enclosed is a photo of a mixing bowl that I have. It is turquoise, in excellent condition and measures 8 3/4 inches in diameter and 2 3/4 inches high. Marked on the bottom are the words “Betty Crocker -- (Trade Mark) -- G M I.” I'm curious about the history and value of my bowl.

A: Betty Crocker is the icon and trademark of General Mills in Minneapolis, Minn. She was created in 1921 to give a personal touch to its products. Her name was on its recipe books, electric mixers, bowls and coupons. In 1929, coupons were given with baking flour to be redeemed for savings on flatware. Actress Adelaide Hawley Cummings portrayed Betty Crocker on TV from 1949 to 1964. She appeared on The Burns and Allen Show and for a while, she had her own show. She was on one of the first color broadcasts and made her “mystery cake.” Your bowl is part of the Fiesta Ware line made by Homer Laughlin China Company and the letters “G M I” stand for General Mills Industry. It was also available in Fiesta yellow.

Your mixing bowl was made about 1940 and would probably be worth $50 to $75.

Q: I have enclosed the mark that is on the back of a set of porcelain plates that I inherited. The set includes a serving platter and six individual dinner plates and a sauce dish. They are decorated with different game birds and all have gold-trimmed scalloped edges. The set belonged to my great-aunt, and I know nothing about them. Anything you can tell me about the history, age and value of my dishes will be greatly appreciated.