Louis XVI sofa

Discussion in 'Furniture' started by ERIC R, Feb 14, 2018.

  1. ERIC R

    ERIC R New Member

    Following is an advertisement I wrote for this sofa. I wonder if this piece is indeed unusual or interesting. I slept on it as a child and don't want to sell it but must. I'm trying to figure what it might be worth.

    "This sofa came to the United States in the 1950's with the Duke d' Atri. He immigrated from Europe after WWII with his family's remaining possessions. When he arrived in Pasadena, California, in 1959, my father purchased much of the Duke's furniture and artwork for his home there. This sofa is an original Louis XVI directoire style sofa from the late 18th century. It is in excellent condition. I had it reupholstered in 1982 in this French pastoral that is nearly identical to the original cloth and have kept it very carefully since. It is an unusual piece in its simplicity and in that it can be dismantled (see the four iron screws in the seat frame).
    Dimensions: 68.5 inches long,, 28 inches wide, 33.75 inches high.
    I grew up with this piece and have avoided selling it through many times of need. However, for a short time, I am finally prepared to let it go. " IMG_4123.JPG IMG_4126.JPG IMG_4125.JPG IMG_4127.JPG IMG_4130.JPG IMG_4131.JPG IMG_4123.JPG IMG_4126.JPG IMG_4125.JPG IMG_4127.JPG IMG_4130.JPG IMG_4131.JPG IMG_4136.JPG IMG_4155.JPG IMG_4134.JPG IMG_4135.JPG IMG_4123.JPG IMG_4126.JPG IMG_4125.JPG IMG_4127.JPG IMG_4130.JPG IMG_4131.JPG IMG_4136.JPG IMG_4155.JPG IMG_4134.JPG IMG_4135.JPG
     
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  2. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    It is beautiful. Such a pity you have to sell it, and I'm sorry you are now in a situation that you have to.
    I can't tell you much about the sofa itself, but the name of the fabric is 'toile de Jouy'. It makes sense that the original fabric was also toile de Jouy, very French, of the period, and it looks perfect on the sofa.
     
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2018
  3. bobsyouruncle

    bobsyouruncle Well-Known Member

    Gorgeous sofa!!
     
  4. verybrad

    verybrad Well-Known Member

    If truly an 18th century example, you might be best to consult a reputable auction house for sale. Otherwise, you are unlikely to find an end-user willing to pay what it is worth. Selling to a dealer is also an option but expect about half of retail value. Here are over 400 Louis XVI sofas that sold at auction. I will leave it up to you to discern those that are not period from those that are.

    https://www.liveauctioneers.com/sea...keyword":"louis xvi sofa","status":"archive"}
     
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  5. ERIC R

    ERIC R New Member

    Here's an update from one Michael Ratcliffe on facebook:
    "I would love to comment on this one. It’s an authentic French piece but from the carving on the arms it’s a style period called Directoire, it falls after Louis XVI and before Empire. It’s actually not a sofa, it’s an even arm daybed. It has the typical French inset back. I would imagine it’s made from cherry or pear.
    The toile is a to the period fabric choice. Daybeds were made to be taken apart."
     
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  6. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Thank you for the update, Eric. Every bit of information gets you a bit closer to making a good decision.
    I think Brad's advice to consult a reputable auction house for sale is best.
     
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