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Question: The pictured containers are part of a perfect, 14-piece canister set that belonged to my husband's great-grandmother. The set includes eight large canisters, six small ones and two cruets. Each piece is marked with the outline of an eagle and "C.T. Germany." Two of the large canisters have wood lids with extensions for hanging. I have enclosed a list of the German names that appear on the containers, and would like to know what was stored in them as well as the age, maker and value of the set. - J.O., Mount Holly, Burlington County

Answer: Your pottery canisters, trimmed with gilt ribbons, green shamrocks and four-leaf clovers, were made by C. Tielsch. Founded in 1875, the German company produced decorative porcelains as well as utilitarian items for households, restaurants and hotels until it was acquired by the Hutschenreuther Co. in 1918.

The large canisters with ceramic lids held tea, coffee, sugar and rice, while salt and flour were stored in the ones with wood lids. Pepper, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and cloves were kept in the small spice containers, and the cruets held vinegar and oil.

Made from 1890 to 1915, large C. Tielsch canister sets such as yours were considered luxury accessories in modest, turn-of-the-century kitchens. Because the containers were used daily, today's collectors are delighted when they find a complete set with every piece in perfect condition. Such sets are valued at $265 to $325.

Question: This item has been in my family for many years, and I believe it is a surveyor's compass. It is engraved "Knox & Shain Makers Philadelphia" and seems to be in good condition. I hope you can provide information about the piece. - F.C., Cape May Court House

Answer: Joseph Knox and Charles Shain, manufacturers of engineering and telegraphic instruments, opened their shop during the 1850s and the firm's name was used until 1929. Your item appears to be a Vernier surveyor's compass with two straight levels, a ball-and-socket mount for a Jacob staff and a brass cover. Comparable compasses, priced from $21 to $46, are shown in 1890s ads.

Your compass should be examined by a specialist appraiser to determine if it is operational and establish its worth. Similar Knox & Shain compasses presently fetch $500 to $800 when level vials are original and full, brass is not chipped or cracked, the original compass hand is intact and they are complete with a labeled wooden box.

Alyce Hand Benham is an antiques broker, appraiser and estate-liquidation specialist whose consulting firm, Treasures Unlimited, is based in southern New Jersey. Send questions to: Alyce Benham, Life section, The Press of Atlantic City, 11 Devins Lane, Pleasantville, NJ 08232. Letters may be used in future columns but cannot be answered individually, and photos cannot be returned.

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