What’s It Worth?

Q:My mother always referred to this vase simply as "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.

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

Champlevé is made by casting or cutting designs in metal, filling the cells with enamel, then firing and polishing. Although it is similar, do not confuse it with cloisonné, 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.

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

Answer: Joseph Moore manufactured high-quality office desks from about 1880 until 1894. He capitalized on the popularity of the well-known Wooton desk and competed directly with his own version of a 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 still rare and in high demand.

Before you and your 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.

Have a question about an antique or collectible? Send e-mail to with a digital image, or send a complete description with a clear photograph to Jay Moore, Flair Department, Richmond Times-Dispatch, P.O. Box 85333, Richmond, VA 23293. Photographs will not be returned. The large volume of mail may mean a delay in publishing answers.