You have heard of stamp collecting (philately) and numismatics (collecting currency and medals), but what about pocillovy? Derived from the Latin "small cup" and "egg", "pocillovy" is the word for collecting egg cups. It is said that the egg cup originated in France. King Louis XV (1715-1774) made them popular. Later, they entered the Victorian dinner service, almost every kind of food has its own special dishes and tableware. 

British manufacturers soon realized that these small ceramic cups could be good souvenirs, and people began to collect them. Egg cups are still being made and collected, and have adapted to the changing styles in ceramics. 

This egg cup with a stylized chicken head, wings and tail is called the "Coquetier Poule" and was sold for $2,080 at the Palm Beach Modern Auction in Florida. It was designed by French sculptor Francois-Xavier Lalanne in the 20th century, and his designs usually look like animals. Together with his wife and collaborator Claude, he often makes whimsical surrealist sculptures. His playful modernist style can be seen from the pure white and stylized characteristics of the egg cup. 

Question: About 20 years ago, my wife and I inherited an external wall clock. It is approximately 7 1/2 feet tall. As time goes by, part of the upper surface of the clock rotates with different scenes. At the very top of the face is the words "A. Willard Boston". Two weights can be added to the key to the winding of the clock. It needs to be wound once a week and maintained for a good time. Its gongs are matched every hour. Can you tell us any information about this clock? 

Answer: Three generations of the Willard family make watches. Benjamin Willard (Benjamin Willard) learned how to make clocks and opened a workshop on a Massachusetts farm in the 1740s, where his four sons Benjamin Jr., Simon, Aaron and Ephraim studied Watchmaking. Three older brothers opened stores in Boston: Benjamin Jr. in 1770, Aaron in 1785, and Simon in 1788. Simon is the most famous and has obtained multiple invention patents, including Banjo clocks. Aaron, the maker of your clock, made hundreds of banjo clocks, shelf clocks and tall cabinet clocks (another name for grandfather clocks). They are sold at auctions for hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you are considering selling your clock, you should contact an auction house that has recently auctioned off antique clocks or a store that sells expensive clocks. A rotating dial with a scene adds extra value, so your clock should sell for a high price. 

Question: Twenty years ago, I bought three sets of hardcover Japanese genuine printing folders. One of them has a note from the dealer with "Rikka Shinan (Introduction or Guide to Flower Arrangement)" and "Date 1688" on it. All books are composed of very thin parchment paper. Who is interested in these and what is their value? 

Answer: Liuhua is the oldest flower arrangement art in Japan and a classic Japanese flower arrangement art. This word means "standing flower". It includes tall, vertically arranged flowers, branches and leaves. The book you mentioned is listed on the website of the International Ikebana Research Association (ikebana.link). The society may provide you with some information about books and their value. 

Question: In 1918, my mother bought a glass vase from France with "Veritable Dolhain Wirths" written on it. I searched for information about the manufacturer, but couldn't find it. Can you help me? 

Answer: Little is known about the manufacturers using this logo. "Veritable" seems to imply the authenticity of this work. Sometimes "real" or "echt" (meaning "real" in Dutch) is used in trademarks instead of "real". Dolhain is a region of Belgium and part of the city of Limburg. "Wirths" may be the name of the company, but it is not recorded. Unrecognizable names were used on fakes sold in gift shops or flea markets. Words such as "worthy of the name", "genuine" or "real" are used to deceive customers. Important works are usually marked with known names. Works by unknown manufacturers are sold at low prices. Vase with this mark sells for $10 to $25.

Tip: Traditionally, the best place to place a grandfather clock in your home is that you can see it as soon as you enter the house.

Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel answered questions sent to the column by readers. Send a letter with a question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and your knowledge of the item. Only include two pictures, objects, and any marked or damaged close-ups. Make sure to include your name and return address. By sending a question, you grant a full license for use in any Kovel product. The name, address or email address will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of the photos, but we will try if it contains a stamped envelope. The questions answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, (the name of this paper), King Features Syndicate, 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803, or send an email to collectorsgallery@kovels.com.