Q:I have a copper skillet and lid that we grew up calling "Mama's copper skillet." We had Christmas dinner in the living room by the fire and Mama served scalloped oysters in the skillet, which is the only time I can remember its being used. I'm 87 years old, so at least I know it's pretty old. The back is marked "Jos. Heinrichs, New York, pure copper, sterling silve" [no "r"]. Both the skillet and lid are completely lined with silver. I have been told it's called a poacher.

A:Joseph Heinrichs founded the Joseph Heinrichs Corp. in New York City in 1897. The company made kitchen utensils for hotels, restaurants, railroads and steamship lines. After the company went bankrupt in 1937, it was bought out. In 1988 it became Legion Industries, which is headquartered in Waynesboro, Ga. A poacher is similar to a skillet but has a taller lid. It is worth about $400 to $500.