Q: I own an old wooden desk with a flip-down top hiding several pigeonholes. A paper sticker on the back says “Maddox Tables.” Please tell me something about the maker and the desk’s value.
A: Maddox Table Co. was founded in Jamestown, N.Y., in 1898 by English immigrant William Maddox. He had invented several furniture-making and finishing machines before he started his own company. The company made tables, desks, secretaries and other case furniture. The company was sold in 1919 and again in 1978. It closed in the mid 1980s. Your desk, if in good condition, is worth $400 or so.