Porcelain baby; sofa; old gun; French tea set: Attic Finds

I inherited this from my stepmother. I think she called it "Piano Baby." It is 7&rfrac12; inches long and the workmanship is special. It is in perfect condition. The markings are enclosed. Purpose and value? -- Barbara Messner, Solon

"Piano babies" were designed as decorative porcelain figures meant to perch on the flat top of an upright piano. Introduced in the 1880s, the poses and sizes varied from 4 inches to 12 inches long. Your example was made by Heubach Bros. of Germany, and the marks indicate a manufacture date around 1910. Heubach was also known for producing fine-quality bisque porcelain doll heads. They are considered to be the best maker of piano babies.

Estimate: $175-$275 in good condition.

My aunt gave me this sofa 30 years ago. She told me that it came from the Hollenden House hotel in downtown Cleveland. Her husband was doing some remodeling work there in the 1940s and brought it home because they were throwing it out! I believe it to be from the 1930s, and it has a metal plate with the name "Jamestown Lounge Company." Can you enlighten me further? -- Eleanor Hammond, Wadsworth

In the early 1900s more than 100 furniture makers were situated in Jamestown, New York, thus it was called as "the Furniture Capital of the World." Its location in the heavily forested western part of the state, plus proximity to a river and sawmills, was the reason.

The Jamestown Lounge Co. was founded in 1888 and is best known today for the line called "Feudal Oak." Loosely based on English designs of the 16th and 17th centuries, the solid oak furniture was ornately carved and hand waxed to a thick and lustrous finish. The company had a contract division and produced items they advertised as "constructed to stand the abuse of public use." Feudal oak is collectible today, and your uncle was wise to rescue it.

Estimate: $600-$900.

This gun was my father-in-law's, and I have no information about it other than the markings on it. -- Albert Brockway, Mentor

The Harrington & Richardson Arms Co. was incorporated in 1888. Founded under a different name in 1871, the company was in business in 1986. They produced shotguns, rifles, pistols and revolvers. Your Young America Double Action revolver was introduced in 1884 and made until 1941. Based on the marks you describe I believe that you have the second model, made between 1905 and 1941. Barrel sizes came in 2-inch, 4-inch and 6-inch lengths. The nickel finish appears to be a bit rubbed, which diminishes the value.

Estimate: $65-$125.

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Porcelain baby; sofa; old gun; French tea set: Attic Finds