Chinese Chippendale Furniture... maybe?

I got a call about this furniture and I am just not sure where to start here. The owner says that he inherited it from his grandmother who purchased it in 1951. He said it is Chippendale. He does not know the value but does want to sell it because they are down sizing. If it is truly chippendale it would be worth a lot, right? But it could be repoduction it looks like it is in really good shape. How can I tell? Here are the pictures he sent me I am going to schedule an appointment to see it in person. Would love some advice on this.

 

I think it was new or nearly so when the Grandmother purchased it. A look at drawer construction and the backs of the case pieces should confirm.

 

Thanks Brad. As usual you are a star.

I think after some research that this was actually produced in the 1940's to 50's. Which would make sense, if that's when his grandmother acquired it.

I think it was made by a company called Drexel. I found a cabinet online that was almost an exact match to this one. Not worth nearly as much as something older. At least I can relax knowing I am not going to tell him some priceless piece of furniture is worth $100. I mean it is worth more than $100 but you know what I mean. Furniture is so hard for me. It is harder to research I think than anything else. A lot of other items are just so much easier to narrow down. I don't know how you keep all that information in your head Brad.

 

Drexel is a good brand and brings a premium in some markets. Be sure to advertise the brand. Can't tell you whether or not the Chinese styling would make it desirable or not.

 

Drexel is a good name. The black lacquer look sells really well here, but I don't know about elsewhere. We have big minority populations (big enough that it feels weird saying "minority") and that seems to be the market for it.

 

I have that same china cabinet. lol. Bought it at the Goodwill 25 years ago. Always wondered if the top was original, now I know.

 

Interesting, my set is a little different. Not seen in photo is the drawers have little "wings" top.