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Designer label holds its desktop value

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By JAY MOORE

Tribune correspondent

Published: June 21, 2009

My mother is downsizing and needs to sell some furniture, including an oak roll-top desk with a brass label that reads "Moore Desk Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA." How old is it and what is the value?

R.P., Tampa

Joseph Moore manufactured high-quality office desks from about 1880 until 1894. He capitalized on the popularity of the well-known Wooton desk, competing with his own combination desk.

William S. Wooton was a maker of church pews and office furniture. In 1874, he patented a desk that had wings that opened and closed, with 100 pigeonholes and drawers. It was very popular among the upper class.

Most Wooton combination desks are in museums and high-end collections. They often sell for more than $20,000. Moore's reconfigured combination desks sell for half as much, but are rare and in high demand.

Before you and Mom go party, realize that this is one of Moore's small, simple roll-tops made around 1890. Although it has been refinished, the label adds value to the tune of $1,250. No-name roll-tops sell for less.

My mother always referred to this vase as, simply, "the old thing." However, she never got rid of it. It is made of bronze and marble. The metal is engraved or cast with colored enamel decoration, except for the Cupid.

It has no markings that I can find. It is in excellent condition. Where was it made and how old is it? I really do not care about its value.

H.D., St. Petersburg

It is a decorative vase made in France between 1910 and 1930. It is made of onyx with gilt-bronze with champleve decoration. It also features a cherub or putti (hanging on for dear life). It probably was one of a pair.

Champleve is made by casting or cutting designs in metal, filling the cells with enamel, firing, and polishing. Although it is similar, do not confuse it with cloisonne, which mostly was made in China and Japan. These pieces are common and have been heavily reproduced, but are popular with folks decorating mini-embassies. It would retail for $175.

Have a question about antiques? E-mail a complete description with a clear, high-resolution digital image in JPG format to baylife@tampatrib.com. Include a name, address and daytime phone number. Regular mail can be sent with clear photographs (not comput

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