Now what could you tell me about this wardrobe?

Hey there! I was wondering what kind of information anyone out there has about this wardrobe. I know nothing about antique furniture, and the folks at the Thrift Shop don't have much info on it either. I've tried to take some good pictures and video, but if there is any more details or photos that would be helpful, I can go back to the store, take some pictures and upload them.

Like I said I don't know anything about it, but if anyone has any information about what the style is, how old it might be, what the value could be. I know I'm not giving you much to go off of here, but if there is anything specific I should go back and take pictures of or try to have a look at, please let me know. Thanks!

 

I first thought French,maybe 1860s and quite lovely. Then something about the carving and the patina gave me pause.I think it might also be a very good reproduction from the 1980s,maybe even cobbled together with old parts.Obviously the interior was retrofitted at some point. All that being said,Im just thinking out loud and could be very wrong. It is a great piece either way.

 

You're not alone, Johnny.

 

I'll jump in, eyes closed and holding nose, and say French marriage, slightly rustic, armoire - marriage bit because of the two doves carved at the top middle. C18. The feet have had some hard wear so maybe some real age.

 

Normandy
https://artisansdupatrimoine.fr/armoire-normande-mariage-a-561.html

https://www.anticstore.com/armoire-mariage-bayeux-normandie-xixe-siecle-59133P

 

Wow, you guys are great. Thanks! The Thrift Store tried to auction it for $1800 CAD, but no one bid on it. They have it marked for $1400 CAD, but they hinted that they might sell it for $1000 CAD (about $750 US), for someone who could arrange to move it. I'll bring them the info you have provided and that will hopefully help them sell it. It's a great charity shop, and they often get some really nice donations.

Thanks again, and like I mentioned, if anyone wants more pictures to satisfy their curiosity, please let me know.

James

 

a shame someone started to tinker around. but it should make the 1000 to 1400 CAD all day when there would be a guy around for proper restorations. good luck.

 

When I saw it, I thought that would be a good deal just based on how nice it looks. I think the problem is it's a small town, wardrobe requires a lot of space and not many people go to a thrift shop looking to sped $1000. Like I said I'm no antique expert, but when I saw cable holes drilled in it I thought "that's probably not a good thing"

Thanks again for your help! I'm glad that I found this forum and I'm sure I'll be spending some time here. Very educational!

 

Yup. Somebody used it as an entertainment center.

 

Hey there again! I brought a bunch of the info to the Thrift Store and they were very grateful. I've been able to find many similar examples online. Speaking with the manager at the Thrift Store, the information that they had on it was from the daughter of the woman who owned it (who had passed away). The owner had purchased it in the 1960s at an antique store in Toronto, and had brought it with up North to this city some time in the early 70s, when her husband took a job here (some sort of lumber company exec). The lady's children are all in Southern Ontario and out West and they just wanted to donate the furniture to good causes.

At any rate, they had dropped the price to $1000 CAD, so I think I might go buy it. It really is nice. So it's looking like this might end up being my first purchase of an antique furniture. I'll just have to make sure it is OK with my wife first .

I might be back asking for advice on where to find a restoration expert

Thanks again everyone.

 

In the 80s there were companies that specialized in converting these old French armoires to TV use. Retail on them was sometimes as high as 10K.

 

Maybe that is what happened. The conversion looks like a pro job to me.

 

Just a passing thought. Before you pull the trigger(with your wife’s approval and all) and buy, you should verify that you will be able to turn all corners, clear doorways and twist angles in hallways due to length and height, to get it to its new found resting place. Nothing is worst than buying a large piece you love only to end up with it in the garage thinking what else you could do. Good luck, it is a beautiful piece.

I once had to disassemble a piece to place it where I wanted it

 

Thanks for the advice! I've been measuring out the space, and I think I have a good place for it. Cheers!

James

 

Best of luck!!! It IS gorgeous....I love the carving!!!!