Oak Hutch

This hutch was given to my parents in the '70s by an elderly woman who collected many antiques. Someone had given it to her years before. This all happened in the New England area of US. My parents had it appraised back then, but they don't remember any specifics. Except that it's definitely oak, and the appraiser made them promise to never do anything to it because it has had some hard use over the years, and that adds to the value and charm. Any input would be much appreciated. Thank you!

 

The really old, partial label, that's on the top of the piece, reads "SIDEBOARDS... Antique, Brass..." I'm assuming that was added from the antique shop where it was purchased.

 

It also has adjustable shelves. The wood supports can be placed in any groove you choose.

 

I should also mention that the glass has some bubbles and waves in it.

 

Side view. It's a beautiful piece. I would really like to know more about it.

 

Looks like an oak piece from the 1890s. The bottom half is a commode/dresser combo; the top half is a bookshelf. It appears that the entire thing has been refinished, my guess would be to cover up the fact that this is a hybrid piece; i.e. the top and bottom were not originally made together. As a piece from the 90s, the top probably had a crest. Are there holes on the top where dowels from the crest would have fit?

Regardless, you've got a unique piece. In my part of the Midwestern U.S. I'd expect to see it sell for $300-$400 at auction, maybe more in New England.

 

There ARE dowel holes on the top!

 

The top shelves have many circular water marks from jars or glasses. So, they didn't use it as a bookshelf. They used it as a kitchen hutch. Very, very interesting. Thank you!

 

I'm not interested in selling this. It has been in my family since before I was born. I'm TOTALLY keeping it. This gorgeous hutch has arrived at it's forever home.

 

Thank you, so much. But I find it quite disturbing that brand new furniture, of much inferior quality, lists so much higher in price than my antique.

 

You are showing perceptive good sense and discernment with your last statement. You are also quite correct: new furniture is of much inferior quality, and so much higher in price than a solid oak piece such as yours.

I'd be content to let these "newer is better" fools buy their Ashley while the likes of you and I are enriched by living with quality materials and craftsmanship. Except for one thing: There are so many of "them," and so few of "us," that it drives down demand - and thus prices - for the quality furniture.

I've long since come to an uneasy peace with this. More for me, sez I. There was a time in the 1980s and 90s when antique furniture such as this commanded much higher prices. So now's the time to accumulate more of the good stuff, in hope and certainty that the high times will come again. I just hope that it's within my lifetime.

 

Agree with everything Ghopper says, including that the two pieces are a marriage. They may have been together a long time and it is not a totally unhappy marriage.