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Navy Posters Urged Recruits To Join 'Bold Ones' Onboard

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By JAY MOORE

Tribune correspondent

Published: May 7, 2008

Updated: 05/07/2008 04:55 pm

We came across two Navy recruiting posters in our home. Both measure 41 inches by 30 inches. They show naval scenes, and each one has a slogan: "Sail With the Bold Ones" or "Command the Bold Ones."

There is some damage to both, including stains. What are they worth?

F.G.

Tampa

According to the photo section of the U.S. Naval Historical Center in Washington, these posters were printed during the early 1960s. The archivist I talked to dated them by researching the ad slogans.

Recruiting broadsides and posters have been used in America since the 18th century. During both world wars, well-known illustrators such as Howard Chandler Christy and McClelland Barclay contributed poster art.

These Cold War recruiting posters are collectible, but they are not in good condition and would be a tough sell to serious collectors. Each would retail for about $35. In mint condition, they would retail for $100 each.

I would like to learn more about my lift-top desk with cubbyholes underneath the lid. I bought it from a local antiques dealer about 30 years ago. It is in good condition. Please tell me how old it is and its value.

R.T.

People often refer to this form of stand-up desk as a schoolmaster's desk. However, I believe that there were many applications, including paymasters and retailers. The desks were made around the country.

They were produced from the 18th century through the early 20th century. Many were crafted by rural cabinetmakers, but later ones were manufactured and sold by mail-order companies, including Sears-Roebuck.

I believe that this desk was made by a rural cabinetmaker between 1850 and 1870. I cannot identify the wood from your photo.

These tall desks are not very popular furniture because of the height. It would retail for $350.

Have a question about antiques? E-mail a complete description with a clear digital image (.jpg file) to athome@tampatrib.com. Include a name, address and daytime phone number. Regular mail can be sent with clear photographs (plain-paper prints or Polaroid

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