Welcome to Ruby Lane's 'What's This? column.

The What's This? column is designed to serve as a tool to assist our reader's in accurately identifying an item, a maker's mark, or to request additional information about an item. If you’re not sure about the maker, the age or any other aspect of an item’s identification, you may submit your questions to the Editors of Notes from the Lane at blogarticles@rubylane.com Thousands of reader's, including our Ruby Lane shopowner's and Facebook fans, many of whom have years, if not decades of experience, may be able to help. This service is free to all our readers.

Question About An Item
For best results, be specific when asking about your item. Is there a particular aspect of the item’s identity of which you are unsure? The more specific you can make your inquiry, the better your chances of receiving the feedback that you need to accurately and completely identify the item.

At Least One Photo
All items that you submit to the What's This? column must be accompanied by at least one good photo, the more photos you can include, the better. Be sure to show any marks, the back, top and bottom of an item, and close-ups of important details that pertain to your inquiry. Photos larger than 250 pixels by 250 pixels will not be accepted for publication.

Reader Responses
If you have information relevant to the identification of an item listed in the What's This? column, or you require additional information in order to make an accurate identification, please post your questions or response in the comments section, located below the item in question.

Know Your Facts
When your suggestions can be supported by facts, please include them. We welcome the inclusion of specific reference data whenever available. However, if you are unsure of a suggestion that you make regarding an item in question, be sure to make that clear.

Ruby Lane Does Not Determine Identity
It should be noted that Ruby Lane does not monitor the What's This? shop to determine whether an identification by a reader, is or is not correct. It is up to the individual submitting the request for help to determine whether to use a reader's feedback.

Other Resources
Notes from the Lane has an extensive Library of book recommendations and a Resource section with loads of links to websites with helpful information to assist with identification of an item.

The Ruby Lane What's This? Shop
The Ruby Lane What's This? shop is available to Ruby Lane shopowner's only. Shopowner's may post an item, asking other shopowners to provide feedback, to help with the identification of an item, makers mark, or other information. http://www.rubylane.com/shops/rlwhatsthis

Editors, Notes from the Lane