Antique furniture advice

[jorman]

Okay- this will be a little long, but I have a question about an antique furniture set I inherited from my step-father. I will be moving to California from Texas and I am wanting to sell it. This set is beautiful, but unfortunately is not my style. I would love to sell it to someone who would appreciate it and make it apart of their home, pass it on and love it. Right now it is being stored.

It is a 1929 BF Huntley bedroom set. It has a really cool story behind it. The original company factory in NC burned down in 1950 and all records were destroyed. Thomasville bought the rights, so what I have is the very beginnings of Thomasville. I have the article from Thomasville, which they sent me when I was on my quest to learn about the furniture''s history.

I have 5 pieces in the original finish with the original hardware. It is Federal style, solid Cherry with medium/light cherry veneer overlay. It has bells & bows detailing with reided edges. It really is feminine and pretty. I have a 5-drawer dresser, 7-drawer vanity with original mirror, nightstand with drawer and cabinet, and headboard, footboard and crossbeams. I also have a cushioned setee.

All drawer are cedar lined and have dove tail joining. Each piece is sealed. It has some wear and needs a little tlc, but nothing that would cost much (just a little refinishing).

Does anyone have some hidden antique experience. Could you offer some words of wisdom. I have no idea what to ask for it, how to approach selling it, etc. I know, I know. I have a degree in interior design, but I have experience with new furniture, not so much antiques.

HELP!
Thanks,
Janna

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Hi,

Do you have any business contacts who have contacts. . .people to link you to antique sellers? This is one idea. . .

I''ve purchased antique furniture in the past and am always disturbed by the ridulous prices of antique stores, so I''ve worked with dealers who specialize in unrefinished pieces for REALISTIC prices. As a person who LOVES older pieces, I beg you not to sell to an intermediary, but instead to find THEE person who will buy and cherish this part of your family history because this person will be paying a fair price rather than being ripped off.

Putting an ad in the paper is a cheap easy way to start out while you research around your city

 

[fire&ice]

Well, I am an Art & Antique dealer. Have been for over 15 years.

That being said, first - I would urge you to keep it. Second, do you have any relatives that would be interested? Family stuff is always the most interesting when it stays in the family.

Please don''t take this the wrong way - I''m trying to be honest. It has the greatest value to you. Since it is a "copy" of a style long ago, it''s value is more along the lines of selling something on the secondary market - though it sounds very very nice. It''s much better made than most furniture today. True "antique dealers" usually want items that are of the time, design & construction of a "certain" period. I''m not dissing it at all - just telling you a hard fact.

If you really want to sell it, you have some options listed below:

A really good auction house that will take this type of item
Ad in the "trader" or local classifieds
Consignment shop
A "dealer" who has either a shop or a booth in an Antique mall.
Poster w/ pics in your local grocery store (they do that here - but maybe not in TX)
Word of mouth (where you work, etc)

You will get the most money & the benefit of finding a good home if you sell to an individual. Sometime that will happen at a consignment shop or auction. You probably won''t have the "hands on" introduction to the person purchasing it in those venues. Your best bet is to find someone yourself. Like anything one is trying to sell on the "secondary market" - it''s tough finding *that* person.

Good luck.

 

[jorman]

Don''t worry, I am not offended at all. I studied period furniture and motifs for a full semester in college. I know it is not anywhere (not even a smidgen) close in value to a true federal piece. If it was something like that I would keep it regardless of whether or not it "fits" with my decor. It is American made, so it''s a copy and therefore it will be worth a copy price.

Your advice helps.
I have asked family members and no one is interested. Each of us has our own taste. Mine is more metropolitan. If this was mission style instead of feminine federal, I would be all over it.

Oh well. I will let you know what happens. Maybe I will get lucky and find a family that wants it for a little girls room or a guest house or something.

Thank you for your help!

Janna

 

[fire&ice]

Date: 5/25/2005 10:30:38 PM
Author: jorman
Each of us has our own taste. Mine is more metropolitan. If this was mission style instead of feminine federal, I would be all over it.

Hah! Mission (Arts & Crafts) *is* my specialty. We''ve been collectors since the mid 80''s. Style ad nauseum down to the linens, metalwork, lighting, pottery - even the jewelry. At our other home the office & kitchen is done in mid-century moderne.

So, yes, calling myself an "Antique Dealer" is an oxymoron.

But, our bedroom - which has some A&C pieces (Gus Stickley Morris chair) is all done in a "Chippendaily (what I call the repros) family inherited suite from hubby''s g''mother. Not so much my taste - but it grew on me. ....still trying to convince you to keep it.

Keep me posted. Be happy to answer any questions here or in PM. Good luck. BTW, visiting Antique Malls (or shows) are a great way to find people who auction off or do estate sales.