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Q I have tried to determine the value of a hammered brass serving tray dating from a family member who was in World War I and traded rations for the tray. The owner was a Russian refugee who was a servant in the house of Czar Nicholas II. Neither Christie's nor local appraisers have any idea how to pin value.

— Dutch, Tucson

A Your story on the history of the tray is special, but is it possible that as it filtered down through generations it became more so? Happens all the time in the best of families. Sometimes a tray is just a tray, even if it originated in a noted era.

The maker's mark on the tray is legible, yet is apparently not enough to interest one major house that sells Russian works of art. When experts at Christie's or Sotheby's tell you they have "no idea," that is generally a polite clue that they are not interested.

It is also a tactful way to end a fishing expedition. Auction houses are not appraisal engines, and it is bad form to request market value unless they understand that you are serious about having them sell. Even then, items that are not promising aren't worth their time and expertise to research.

Important houses have a minimum result in mind. Think $5,000 or more. If selling is truly your goal, move on to other auction houses, ones that sell historic or unusual decorative goods. First, work on proving a direct link between the item and Nicholas II.

With all the art that has come out of Russia lately, and given track records from recent successful sales of Russian decorative arts, I'm sure you will find a credentialed expert on Russian art through an established appraisal organization. To find a professional appraiser in your area, log onto www. appraisersassoc.org, www.isa-appraisers.org or www.appraisers.org.

Q In 1972, I received four Norman Rockwell plates in the "Four Seasons" series by Gorham. I'm trying to find true value of the set. EBay and other sites show individual plates selling at a low, low price. Some time ago, a friend found info from a dealer of collectibles that said the complete set would cost $525. Another friend some time ago said she saw this set was possibly $900.

— Carol, Tulsa, Okla.

A The story on those plates is a perfect example of the boom and bust that hit the collectibles market in the '70s and early '80s. Rockwell plate buyers are now at an age where they are selling off collections. Younger buyers have no link to the artist and the concept of collector plates.

You seek "true" value, but true value is the market reality of the moment. A collectibles dealer has an interest in inflating value, and friends are often not a reliable source. Unfortunately, completed sales on eBay tell the tale.

Q Looking for value on a book published in 1904. Similar titles range in value, but this version has no author listed. I can't find an edition like the one I have. Can you help?

— C., Paso Robles, Calif.

A A sensational tale of the sinking of an excursion boat, the title was printed in several editions, with differing modifications. Top dollar goes to first editions in great condition, and to copies inscribed by survivors.

Generally, copies retail at $125 to $200. First editions list at $250 to $500 for an inscribed version.

FYI: Research and find books on www.abebooks.com, www.biblio.com or www. bookfinder.com. If it is an antiquarian book, find a local seller on www.abaa.org.