Q:I own an antique desk that was made in 1760. It has bracket feet and dovetailed construction and is in good condition. An old label reads "New York, N.Y." and "10 miles, 6-pence." What is it worth? -- D.S.

Answer: It is a Davenport desk made in England between 1875 and 1885. These little desks have writing surfaces that lift to expose storage, with drawers and/or cupboards built into one side. They were designed to save space.

According to experts, this style of desk was named after a British military captain named Davenport, who commissioned his design from the well-known cabinetmakers Gillows of London in the early 19th century.

I suspect that most Victorian Davenport desks were made for British homes, where space was at a premium. It would retail for around $500.

. . .

Q:What do you think about my antique Greek vase? It has a drawing of Zeus and Athena and is marked "Made in Greece by D. Vassilopoulos, No #225/B." It is 7 inches tall. Is it real, or is it fake? -- A.S., Richmond

 

Answer: The proper term would be reproduction. This modern vase, perhaps based upon an antique dating back at least 2,500 years, was not meant to deceive, thus the clear signature and a style or model number.

Genuine antiquities are expensive. The last major auction of a group of Greek vases was eight years ago; 157 pieces, mostly from a private American collection, brought more than $7 million at Christie's.

This reproduction Greek vase probably would retail for $100.

Information about potter and decorator D. Vassilopoulos is sketchy, at best. However, he has made careful reproductions of many museum pieces.
Have a question about an antique or collectible? Send e-mail to home@timesdispatch.com 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.