A: Doulton figures normally have a specific model number beginning with HN which for some reason is missing from the one you describe. However the registration suggests a manufacturing date of 1931. Monica was made in two different colour schemes, one with a floral cream dress and now worth £300 and one with a lavender dress, now worth £400. The model numbers HN 1459, 1459 and 1467 were used. A new version of this figure (HN3617) was issued in 1993 and is worth about £75.
Q: Can you tell me the value of an eight-volume set of books called Every Womans Encyclopaedia which appears to have been published about 1900-1910? Mr R
A: Such sets were very popular in the late 19th and early 20th century and are fascinating to look through, but they are seldom worth much as they are just not that collected. The set is worth about £25 at best. Generally, collectors prefer single books by noted authors or on specialised subjects rather than 'home education' series.
Q: Is a pottery tortoise I have of any value? It is about seven inches in length and says Poole, England on it. I have had it quite a few years. Mrs P
A: This model was made by the famous Dorset pottery between 1979 and 1989 so it is about 25 years old. Poole pottery is quite collected, particularly its brightly coloured plates, bowls and vases which can fetch £100 or more but this model is less interesting and not uncommon, and is worth about £25.
Q: I have six Beatrix Potter books in mint condition dating from 1986. Do they have any value? Mrs T
A: Beatrix Potter's books about various woodland creatures including Peter Rabbit were first published around 1900 and only the early editions are worth significant sums, often £1,000 plus. By the 1920s her books were best-sellers and later reprints, which appear identical to the originals, are not seriously collected and values modest. Editions as recent as those you mention do not have any appreciable value as they were issued on a vast scale.
Q: A friend tells me a 1937 coronation mug I have will be valuable because it features Edward VIII, who abdicated. It is made by Aynsley and is in nice condition. Mrs W
A: Edward took quite a late decision to abdicate and so souvenirs of the forthcoming coronation were in the shops for months before he chose to step aside. Therefore examples of mugs, plates and other mementos of this "event that never was" are plentiful and not of great value. The one you have is worth £30-£40, in line with mugs from other Royal events from the 20th century. When it was announced Edward was to abdicate, pottery manufacturers were told to destroy remaining stocks, but few did, and in any case, the shops had long been flooded with merchandise so examples are not rare.
Q: My mother has a statue of a young girl with an umbrella. The figure is about 18 inches tall and the style of the girl's dress looks 1930s to me. But although the figure seems to be made of pottery, it is quite light and where there is a chip on the base, the interior looks like chalk. Can you tell me anything about it and does it have any value? Mrs H
A: This figure IS made of chalk, with a painted surface. Such figures were very popular in the 1930s, made as cheap but impressive-looking ornaments. There were many different designs, usually featuring cute boys and girls, and sometimes depicting them with pet Alsation dogs for some reason! Today, such figures, which evoke the inter-war period very well, are sought-after, and typically are worth £80-£120 each. However, the figures must be in pristine condition - the soft chalk chips easily and it is too expensive to restore. A minor chip or two on the base is acceptable but even slight damage to the figures themselves seriously de-values them.
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