Q: This is a photo of a desk that I've had since 1952. It was a gift when I was 13. I had seen it in a furniture show room and asked my parents to buy it for me. I was so disappointed when they told me I couldn't have it. When it was delivered a couple months later on my birthday, I was completely surprised and very happy. On the back is a paper label with the words "376 Desk— Antique Pine Finish — Davis Cabinet Company — Makers of Good Furniture — Nashville." When it is opened there is a writing surface, cubby holes, drawers, and a reservoir for pens and pencils. The height is 40 inches, width 32 inches and depth 20 inches. Even though there are some scratches, it is in good condition. It will always have a special place in my home and I still love it.

What can you tell me about the maker and value?

A: Lipscomb Davis established his furniture company in 1929. Over the years, they have produced high quality furniture inspired by earlier periods of design. The slant front, turned legs, cubby holes are characteristic of their Pilgrim line of furniture. The number 376 is a design number.

Your pine desk has been seen on the internet selling in the $150 range.

Q: This mark is on the bottom of a porcelain figurine of a young woman that I have. She stands approximately 9 inches tall including the gold trimmed scrolled base. She is wearing 18th century style clothes decorated with pastel flowers, a large bonnet, pink shoes and she is holding a fan in an outstretched arm. The condition is excellent. The figurine was given to me by an elderly friend who has since passed away. Now I wish I had asked her more about its history.

I would never part with it, but hope you can tell me about the maker, age and value of my figurine.

A: Richard Eckert Porzellan used the mark you provided. They were located in Volkstedt, Thuringia, Germany, from 1894 to 1918. The pitch forks or hay forks with a crown mark was used around 1900. There were several porcelain factories in the Thuringia region and multiple variations of the pitch fork marks.

Your figurine would probably be worth $125 to $150.

. Davis Cabinet Company was founded in 1929.

. Richard Eckert Porzellan was located in Germany, from 1894 to 1918.

Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P. O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters. To find out more about Anne McCollam and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com