Quarter Sawn Bow Front Curio- KC Co

Just purchased at a yard sale and trying to learn more about it.

Trying to find out more about the company K.C. Co in Chester, PA and the makers indented stamp of “H” on the edge of all four shelves. See picture. According to an auction company, the in tact label on the back is rare for this 19th century piece.

Any help and information of any kind is appreciated.

 

Hey Sandra!

Yes, it's unusual to find a 19th century piece with a label that nice. I regret that I don't have any info on the K.C. Co., but I do know that it would be difficult to get $1600 for that beautiful piece here in the U.S. Midwest.

But since you bought it at a yard sale (and hopefully for an excellent price...), you may yet be able to turn a profit on it if you decide to sell.

 

Thank you!

 

Hmmmm, not sure about the 19th century here, more likely 1st quarter 20th century I would guess, the "golden age of oak" and all that. Not a clue about value but I'd guess @Ghopper1924 is correct, 1600 seems rather ambitious to me as well. Wait for others to post that have a better understanding of this era than i do.
Very nice curio, my grandmother had one and when she passed, i remember the huge family fuss (among the girls) about who was to get it, apparently granny had promised it to more than one.

 

Thanks so much! While having a better handle on the value would be nice, I am more interested in the maker and the history. I will wait patiently to see what shakes out.

 

I have a similar cabinet, bought it in a shop about 20 years ago for $600. Ours doesn’t have a label.

 

Not terribly rare to find labels but agree that most pieces of furniture do not have them. Cabinet is circa 1900. Really doesn't matter much who made it, as many companies made similar. Nice to know but does not impact value. Here in my semi-rural Midwest area, I would be lucky to get $300.00 for this. Have sold similar for less recently.

 

Thank you Marie.

 

Thank you Brad. This piece is on casters so 1900 would make more sense. My inquiry about the label and the makers mark on all four shelves was based on information that I found indicating that these were rare features and did add value and would help with the history. Maybe that just holds true on older pieces.

Thanks again.

 

Holds true for furniture by sought after companies. KC company doesn't qualify as such. Always nice to know as much as possible about what you have but it may not impart much value.

 

I found some more information. It has a patented sticker and number inside the front door 978305 that was applied for in 1910 by RJ Keppel who was a furniture company. Keppel Company and I assume is the same KC Co ? Still no added value? Thanks again for your help!

 

Nice find but really doesn't impart much, if any, value. Suppose having such included might entice some buyers but doubt they would pay more for it. Having two identical cabinets, one with paperwork and one without at the same price, the buyer would probably choose the one with paperwork. If the one without is even $20.00 cheaper, you can bet the buyer will choose the cheaper one 9 times out of 10. Does help you pin down the date to after 1910.

As an aside, I don't see what is patentable about this design. Similar cabinets were made by a lot of companies and there is nothing unique about the construction or joinery.

 

Okay I will not ask any more questions.

 

Oh No, Ask away! No need to be offended here, everyone just offering opinions, you can accept/reject at your pleasure!

 

No problem with the quest for knowledge and what you have found is more than what we know about most antique furniture. I commend your zeal and, by all means, ask away!

 

I love your questions. I would like to possess a curio cabinet with a bow front. My problem is a limitation on height due to a plate rail. I don't have any answers, so you help me learn.

 

My grandmothers was very similar form to this one except, it had a mirror in back, not sure if a glass mirror or not. You could see the back of her do-dads without twisting your head which i thought was cool.

 

If keeping, just keep in mind, that as I remember, replacing bent glass could get pricey......dunno, maybe it’s come down in recent years??

 

Hey , wait a minute.
You said.................." Any help and information of any kind is appreciated. "

If that's true, then you have to consider all opinions when weighing the pros & cons of your item......which..by the way.....is very lovely !!!

 

Beautiful piece! Nice one tracking down the patent info as well. I've learned something about the date, and heck, I'd pay a few dollars more to have that information!