Appraisal: Antique ladies desk could be worth $600

Antiques appraisal by Dr. George Marchelos

QI am hoping you can tell me the value of this roll top desk a friend has given me. It comes apart in four places for easy moving with two long drawers attached to the middle unit and a glass door on the bottom that opens as well. I hope you can help me. Thank You — K.W.

Appraisal: K.W. has a desk she describes as a “roll top” desk. It is actually a mission style “ladies” desk/bookcase made by Macey Co. sometime after the turn of the 20th century. Mission style is related to Arts and Crafts of the same period and is characterized by simple straight lines and accentuated wood grains. This particular one has tiger stripes with a fall front desk, built in compartments, and a small bookcase below. It stands on bracket feet in front. Macey Co. was based in Grand Rapids, Michigan from 1896 and combined with another famous bookcase manufacturer, Warnicke, in 1905. Warnicke-Globe lawyer book cases are still widely sought out. The piece does not appear to be in a sound state, with sagging to one side. There is also gouges to the finish in front. The piece, however, can be restored. It probably dates from 1908-1926 when this logo was used, especially in the earlier part of this period before WWI when mission style furniture was still in vogue. As is, it probably would bring $500-$600 in larger markets.

Q I am hoping that you can tell me a little about the lamp shown. 
Possibly the age, style, period, the type of shade it should have and its value. Thank you. — J.M.

Appraisal:J.M. has asked about her lamp. Unfortunately, the photos sent basically repeat the same view several times. That said, the lamp is most likely from the early 1960s and was made in Italy. It has an eclectic design for show and does not represent any given era or event. The cord appears at the edge of the photos and appears to be of European origin. The socket just barely reveals part of the inner threaded sleeve which appears to be aluminum. They reveal the age as being after the 1940s, early 1950s. Before then these were brass. A fancy, large shade would be in order for this lamp. It would sale for several hundred dollars in most retail shops. The body appears to be molded as opposed to carved. This would indicate mass production but closer, in-person inspection may reveal a different conclusion.