no, You are not wasting your time. Many do not get an answer because they do not display enough info or the biggest problem is posting pictures. As far as value of item’s it’ in the eye’s of the beholder. Just because something is old does not mean that it’s valuble. Many people buy because it’s pretty or useful. There is thousand’s of item’s out there that is made in Germany and austria. Older people have enough of this and the younger generation could care less. It’s to bad that the older generation don’t take the oppertunity to give antiques to young brides or grandchildren. You can find lot’s of web sites with Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan mark’s etc. E bay is a good place to start. Take the highest price and the lowest prices and average it out that way including shipping cost’s. One good place to start is Figurines-sculpture.com Art pottery clubs etc.