Help me value this?

From research I believe it to be an anglo-indian sofa. Has been in our family for the last 30 years. Hand carved with hand woven cane. Any idea what it might be worth? Or can anyone give me more information on the origin? Sorry for the poor quality photos Thanks

 

Welcome to the forum, Jessie.
You're right, the style is called Anglo-Indian. This would be called an Anglo-Indian caned sofa. These were (and are) mainly made in Southern India and Sri Lanka.
Great for lounging in the tropical heat.
We don't value items here, but we can give you some info so you can find estimates. The value depends on quality of carving, age and condition, and we can't really see those from the pictures. Another important factor in any value is your location.

 

Hi, thanks so much for your response. I am located in Australia. I couldn't tell you the exact age although my parents have had it for 30 years. The wood is in fantastic condition and is carved exquisitely. The cane however is starting to come undone and would need some minor repairs. Do you have any idea where I could get it valued? Looking to sell it but don't want to sell it for under value and then fond out that it's worth a lot more! Thanks for your help.

 

We could probably help with a rough date and judge the quality of carving if we had better pictures. Exquisite carving also comes in different qualities, especially with Indian carving. Is there any chance you can take better photos? Details too, please.

 

Hi, yes I will take some tomorrow thanks so much

 

we now have several Aussies here who may know the best venues.....

Calling all Australians !!!

 

Hi, Thanks for waiting. Here are some new photos

Sofa 1 by Jessie1 posted Apr 1, 2018 at 11:36 PM

Sofa 2 by Jessie1 posted Apr 1, 2018 at 11:36 PM

Sofa 3 by Jessie1 posted Apr 1, 2018 at 11:36 PM

Sofa 4 by Jessie1 posted Apr 1, 2018 at 11:36 PM

Sofa 5 by Jessie1 posted Apr 1, 2018 at 11:36 PM

Sofa 6 by Jessie1 posted Apr 1, 2018 at 11:35 PM

Sofa 7 by Jessie1 posted Apr 1, 2018 at 11:35 PM

Hi, thanks for waiting. Here are some better quality photos. I found out some further information also. It was purchased in 1995 at auction. It had previously resided in a mansion in Stirling SA that the Queen of England had stayed in. It's history at auction estimated that it was made in the 1700's. No nails all dowelling. Hope that helps! Thanks for your assistance.

 

Hm. I honestly doubt it's as early as that. Looks mid 19th to me. I think the rattan has been redone a while back. I also think it's possibly Anglo Indian.

 

Thanks, Jessie, a very nice piece. I agree with Obb, it is not 1700s. I would say 1880-1910, so still antique. The carving is beautiful, but not the deep, pierced carving of the 18th and early 19th century pieces. I prefer this, by the way.
The cane is often redone on these antique pieces, but if a buyer has to have it done, that would be taken into account in assessing the value.
Dowels are good, but not necessarily an indication of age. Many Asian furniture makers still work with dowels.
It could help a little in value if you have evidence that it was once in the mansion in Stirling, maybe an old photograph from the archives of the mansion or Stirling. That would attract local interest.

@pewter2 , can you advise Jessie on ways to sell this beauty in Australia?

 

What about sending photos of your piece to a local auction house? Maybe including the info from the former auction house sale. You might get some additional info.

 

Isn’t there an Eboo.au?

 

Hello Jessie1....Firstly provenance..find some to verify claims . picture of item in situ, documentation, old inventory, etc ....your sofa as stated above is Anglo Indian and style suggests from 1810 onward , which we refer to as Regency period, and timber appears to be a form of Indian Rosewood a quite hard timber and as it it caned , was made for tropical climes. (we know that)
The market in Australia for furniture is rotten at the moment....I know , as I have just closed my Antiques store in Southern Highlands NSW.....barely recovered cost on many furniture items sold through auctions. Previously had a customer full of happiness exclaiming she had only paid $800 for a teak 1960's Parker table.......my comment ...Madam ,,,I can't get $500 for a genuine Georgian table !!!! real incident....not made up.
Depends on your location, I use only 3 auction houses in NSW whom i find trustworthy and reliable...... must follow rules of forum so wont mention them here unless otherwise directed by moderator ...ditto re valuation .but I think I could guesstimate....
around 2k at auction + or - , even Victorian chaise sofas now only bring up to 1k for an average quality unit......hope this helps ........regards ....pewter2

 

@Jessie1 , if you want to find out more, and pewter doesn't mind, you can send him a private message through your inbox, top right hand corner of the page.

 

Thanks so much everyone. I'll definitely send you a message pewter. Wonder if it's worth holding on to until the market comes back. Thanks for everyone's help and information!! You guys are awesome.

 

Aussi deserves Awesome.....yer in good company !!!

 

Boy, i dunno about Australia but in USA old furniture has been dead for over 10 years and shows no sign of coming back anytime soon, it could be different there though.
Here in America the market is dead at both ends, baby boomers are done and people under 30 look at you like you're crazy for suggesting they furnish their house in antique furniture.
Having said all that, good luck with your sofa, it's a nice piece!