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Q: I have about 20 pieces of Guardian Cookware from the 1940s. Does anyone collect items such as this?

-- Lois, Satsuma, Fla.

A: Aluminum Guardian cookware has become collectible in recent years. To find out about the history of Guardian and the pieces issued by the company, visit http://hcprobate.homestead.com/guardian.html. Incidentally, to clean this type of cookware, combine 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar and one quart of water and place in one of the pieces. Boil and simmer for about 10 minutes to remove many of the stubborn stains.

Q: I have a license plate from North Carolina that expired June 30, 1916. It is in excellent condition and I wonder what it is worth.

-- Dexter, Pelham, N.C.

A: Tom Smith is a license-plate collector, and he can help you determine the value of the one that you have. His contact information is 3064 River Road West, P.O. Box 238, Goochland, VA 23063. You might also find the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association useful, 7365 Main St., No. 214, Stratford, CT 06614, and www.alpca.org.

Q: I have a small album of records for children that were issued by Columbia sometime during the teens. They include typical songs for children such as "Jack and Jill," "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and "Tom, The Piper's Son," in addition to a story by Ralph Mayhew and Burges Johnson. Does these records have any value?

-- Richard, Montevideo, Minn.

A: The little record albums for children from this period generally sell for about $15, depending on condition.

Q: I have a wave-making curling iron with wooden handles. It was originally heated in the chimney of an oil lamp when there was no electricity. It is in good condition, and I wonder if it has any value.

-- Charlotte, Albuquerque, N.M.

A: The old curling irons generally sell in the $15 to $25 range.

* Write to Larry Cox in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475, or send e-mail to antiquequestions@aol.com. Due to the large volume of mail he receives, Mr. Cox is unable to personally answer all reader questions. Do not send any materials requiring return mail.