Q: I have a vase that was made in Ohio in 1908 that has a swastika on it. It is not German; it was made in Ohio. Can you help me identify the maker?

A: A swastika mark was used by the Edward J. Owen China Company of Minerva, Ohio, long before it was the symbol of Hitler's Germany. The company was in business from 1902 until 1932. "Swastika Keramos" was a line of art pottery made there from 1906 to 1908. Many pieces were made with an iridescent glaze. An 8-inch iridescent vase sells for about $250.