By HELAINE FENDELMAN and JOE ROSSON, Scripps Howard News Service

Dear Helaine and Joe: I have finally summoned the courage to write and ask about this whirligig discovered in the barn of the old house my husband and I bought. I have no idea how old it is, or whether it's valuable. It is missing some of the deep maroon- and cream-colored paint; otherwise, it's intact. There are no names or markings. Thanks for your help. -- P.W., Methuen, Mass.

DEAR JOE AND HELAINE: The two enclosed pictures are of a dish measuring 8 inches wide and 11 inches long. There are no marks or identification on the bottom. It still has the original twisted-wire handle. It was given to my mother by her gentleman friend in 1915. Any information or value would be greatly appreciated. -- M.W.B., Abington, Va.

Dear Helaine and Joe:

Dear Helaine and Joe:

Enclosed are pictures of a 14-piece punch bowl set. It is in perfect condition. I know it has been in my family since at least 1923 and perhaps before that. I plan to pass it on to my daughter and would like for her to know the insurance replacement value. Can you help me?

Sincerely,

G. H., Durham, NC

Dear G. H.:

Dear Helaine and Joe: I like to attend estate auctions in New Hampshire and recently bought a box of paper ephemera containing a poem by Edna Dean Proctor. I am curious as to whether it might be an original. The script looks as if it were written with a fountain pen, and the paper is dated 1916. How do I authenticate this document?

Dear Helaine and Joe: I've enclosed photographs of an 1889 silver dollar in my possession. I would like to know its value. Can you help? Thank you. -- C.R.

Dear Helaine and Joe: I have signatures from John F. Kennedy before he became president of the United States. I am fairly certain they are authentic. If so, could you tell me their worth? Thank you. -- N.S., e-mail

Dear Helaine and Joe: My family has always referred to this item as the "Hekman table." We do not know whether the piece is an antique or valuable in any way. Hope you can help. -- G.M., Chicago

Dear Helaine and Joe: I inherited a number of boxes of china from my mother. It was a wonderful surprise when I finally opened them and saw all these beautiful pieces, and I would like some more information about them. Thank you. -- N.S.

Dear Helaine and Joe: For the past several years, my wife and I have been looking for a gossip bench for our daughter. High prices and limited availability have kept us from finding a satisfactory piece. Last year, we found one selling for only $125, but we passed on it because of its unusual appearance. Now I am wondering if we missed a good buy. Any comments? -- B.M., New York