Q: I have a dish about 12ins across and it is in the shape of an anemone, and is bright purple and red. On the base it says Shorter. How old is it and what is it worth? Mrs G

A. Shorter and Son is a pottery firm based in Stoke-on-Trent. Founded in the late 19th century, it made goods under several names, including Batavia ware, and is noted for novelty products, including toby jugs, and flower-design pottery of the type you describe. This item dates from about 1940 and was part of a series. Value would be about £40.

Q: Can you tell me the value of an old tin-opener? It is cast-iron, and the end is shaped like a bull's head. It looks quite old. Mr J

A. This sounds as if it is one of the original-style openers dating back to about 1880, a time when tinned food -- especially beef -- was becoming more common. Many firms made such tin-openers, some given away free as promotional items. Value is £10-£15.

Q: I have come across an old copy of a magazine called the Illustrated London News, dated 1859. It is in quite good condition, though a few pages are loose. Is it worth anything? Mr M

A. Old magazines are always very interesting to browse through, but seldom of significant value. The reason is that most were printed in tens of thousands, and copies filed in public libraries, so examples are not uncommon. Most old magazines are normally priced at £3-£8 each around the collectors fairs, though certain ones can fetch more. A 1912 magazine normally worth just £5, for instance, would be worth at least £75 if the cover featured the loss of the Titanic, which sank that year.

Q: What is the value of an old factory "clocking-in clock"? It is about three feet tall, with a round dial and a brass pendulum, and a glazed door. There is a slot at the base to insert a card. Mr W

A. Time clocks -- often made by a firm called the National Time Recorder Company -- were common in many factories and offices for much of the 20th century, and some are still used today. Redundant examples find their way onto the antiques market and typically fetch about £150 when sold. Of course, not everyone likes them , as they are a bit bulky for domestic use and look odd on the living-room wall, but some people do find them interesting and even collect different examples.