Q: I have a set of dishes that was found in my parents' house when they moved in 40 years ago. The dishes are tan with brown decoration. This mark is printed on the bottom. Are they worth anything? Is it safe to put them in the microwave and dishwasher? I don't know whether to keep them and use them, donate them sell them, or throw them away.
A: William Emberton & Co. made your dishes. "Atlantic" is the name of the pattern, which features brown flowers, birds, ducks and sheep. William Emberton bought Highgate Pottery in Brownhills, Tunstall, England, in 1846 and family members operated the pottery until 1888. The diamond-shaped mark is the English registry mark, which includes the date code for the design, October 4, 1883. It's okay to put the dishes in the dishwasher or microwave if the glaze is not crazed, but crazed glaze will peel off. However, it's best not to put them in either because the dishes will get too hot.
