Furniture Appraisal

Has anyone used an online appraiser for antique furniture? If so, would appreciate some recommendations.

 

Are you trying to sell?
Want it for insurance purposes?
Family estate division?

Maybe post a couple of pictures into this thread and we can tell you whether it is worth paying someone to look.

This tread tells you how to post pictures if you're not sure how to do it.
https://www.antiquers.com/threads/making-a-post-and-uploading-pictures.16038/

 

Hi and thanks for the response. I am wanting to sell the pieces.

Attached are a few pictures of the set, I had previously posted in another Forum asking for help to identify the age, origin, etc. I am having a hard time finding someone around my area to do this, so I am curious how others experience with online appraisals have went.

 

You had a post about these here https://www.antiquers.com/threads/can-someone-help-identify-these-dining-pieces.24561/

I don't think an online appraisal is worth it for you since they don't know your local market and the number they give won't mean much and won't make it any easier to sell. Have you sold anything else? You can talk to local auction houses or consignment shops and watch Craigslist and eBay (local pickup since you don't want to ship) for similar pieces. Then pick the best option. If you're patient and do the research you'll get more money.

 

It is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it in your market. Something could theorhetically be worth $5,000 but, if no one is willing to pay it in your market, the appraisal does not do you any good. For what it is worth, I think your set could potentially be worth this much at retail in the right market. It really will depend on where you are and how you are selling. I know that here in my market (Semi-rural Midwest) we struggled to get even $300.00 for this cabinet. We just don't have the market here.



Unless you are in a large metro area with the right clientele, you might do best to broker or sell this to a dealer who has the clientele interested in such things. Expect to get 1/3 to 1/2 of what they will sell it for. Consignment shops are good evaluators for your local market. They will let you know what they could potentially get for something. They are in the business of selling in a timely manner and are not going to give you unrealistic expectations.

 

I might add that if you are willing hold this awhile and ship it, you could open the sale to a national market via ebay or some other venue. Dealers that do this do get more for their items but generally have to sit on the items longer and be ultimately willing to bargain some on the price. Surprisingly, this set sold for $6K down in FL with pick up only.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-Oak-Renaissance-Revival-Dining-Room-Set-amazing-pieces-/122850463847?hash=item1c9a755067:g:LCUAAOSw0O5aKoMv&nma=true&si=20XIPRaYYTZ%2BkRic4N4aKqxdRME%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Nice result that is a bit atypical in that the buyer was willing to pick up and did not bargain (As far as we know). You might be able to fish for a buyer in this manner at your price and have similarly good results. Your odds go up if in or near a large metro area or are willing to ship. Remember that with the latter, the buyer will evaluate the shipping fees and take that in to account in their ultimate purchase price.

 

Thank you. No I haven't sold anything yet, we are in the process of downsizing and have several other items as well. But unfortunately I don't think there would be much interest in items like this. I have done some research online, I'll give a few auction houses a call - I didn't think of that. Thanks for your input.

 

I am in the same market - Midwest Rural Community and you are exactly right, its only worth what someone else will pay for. Thank you for your input, there are a few consignment shops within 50 miles I may try them, these pieces are not easily transported so that adds another level of difficulty in selling them.

 

I haven't sold anything on ebay, lord knows I could open my own shop! I am not limited on time, I know this set isn't one that everyone is just waiting to own so that may be another good way to start. Thank you - I may also try Indy or Chicago possibly the market is better in these areas.

 

We talked about this kind of furniture before here, and for what I understood, the only place on earth where it still sales (well!) is the middle east...
The women figures on the first example, however could be a problem ....

 

The carved side board seems to be really an exceptional piece. The table is impressive as well. I would think this might find a buyer in the Chicago area. Has this furniture been in your family for generations? I'm not a furniture expert, but can tell you I never see anything remotely close to this where I live. Assuming nothing is written anywhere under the table? Or in drawers or behind the sideboard? I would research these pieces a bit further. A reputable auction house would be an idea as mentioned.

 

I am within 3 hours of Chicago, so that would be about the chance I would have at selling it. I had posted the set on a previous forum and had some help identifying the age and possible style. The workmanship is beautiful and detailed, unfortunately there are no markings to be sure of the maker.

 

There are many jokes in our family about them as well..

 

You might send pictures to a couple of auction houses to see what they have to say.
I have never dealt with an auction house, so maybe someone else can give names of a couple houses that would work with your furniture.
@verybrad

 

I have a good contact at http://www.eldreds.com/ but that might be to fare from where you live...!?

 

Since only a few hours away from Chicago, Susanin's or Leonard's might be worth contacting to see if they would be interested. There is also Leslie Hindman but am seeing mixed reviews about them on Yelp. I have never dealt with any of these but these are the premier auction houses in Chicago that might be interested. At the very least, they may be able to give you a realistic idea of value.

 

Thank you, I will give them a try.

 

Thank you for the suggestions, I will certainly give them a try.

 

Thanks everyone for the input and recommendations. Like someone said earlier this type of furniture is not selling, at least not easily. I spoke with an appraiser who has also verified the change in the market and she is seeing items go for about 0.25 cents on the dollar or less.

 

Did the appraiser see your exact pieces? You almost can't give away brown furniture where I live, but I think this furniture is pretty exceptional and would find a buyer. Thanks for the update.