Featured Unknow valuable chair

Do keep in mind that an auction is likely to bring you more than a retailer.

Debora

 

Debora's correct-definitely go Auction.

 

do you think it would be better to try and sell it in France....not New York?

 

How wonderful that he survived, but what a tragedy about the house and it's contents. The Macklowe Gallery would be a good starting point to give you an inkling of value. As others have said, going to auction may be more lucrative. You might want to check out Drouot.com-- it is an auction house in Paris and it hosts auctions for other auction houses in France, Belgium, Netherlands, etc. They or one of the auction houses they work with may be able to give you more info.

 

As an FYI, I suggested the Macklowe Gallery only because when I searched for Abel Landry, they popped up as having sold a piece of Abel Landry furniture. I have never been there or bought anything from them.

 

is it just me....or are all these chairs white.....????

 

I wonder if they are reupholstered. White wouldn't still be white after 100+ years.

 

Big auction house would be the best, no doubt, but be aware that they sometimes don't bother with one item consignments--commission on this chair is loose change for them. So come with all the paperwork you can find on it to impress them. Provenance: whom it was, how you came into it, and hard evidence that it was on loan to that museum. If you're in NY, don't bother with Paris, all the people in the know check what's going on there, and you may be asked to send it abroad yourself (insure it etc, all payable in advance, by you) . By the way, the chair is really nice.

 

It is pretty common practice, when supplying refurbished upholstered goods to the decorator trade, that they be upholstered in white. This keeps someone else's taste from being imparted and shows off the frame to best advantage. It is assumed that they will be re-upholstered to the client's taste anyway. Quite often, the white is just a cotton decking fabric that can have new fabric applied right over it.

 

You can do what your Uncle did and loan it to a museum to display. This way, you are not having to decide what you want to do with it today. While you may not want this chair at the moment, there may come a time in the future where you may wish you still had it. Loaning it gives you time to consider your options. I don't deal in bits like this, but the last I heard, the furniture market is depressed - don't know how impactful that is on a piece like this. In a "hot market" the value could be considerably higher in the future, and the markets for collectibles do go up and down like any other market.

You can certainly sell it as is suggested, and rightly noted through a reputable firm, but once you sell it, that family connection will be sold with it.

 

@George Chaney You make a very sensible and compassionate suggestion.

 

If you're in the U.S. and intend to consign it for auction, use a big, reputable U.S. auction house. They market internationally and it will be seen by foreign buyers.

Debora

 

I contacted Machlowe Gallery and got a replay the next day from Mr Machlowe himself.
He will be making me an offer soon..I will keep you informed. thank you all for your help.

 

That tells you the chair is of value. And an offer from a retailer will always be considerably lower than a final auction bid so make your decision accordingly.

Debora

 

It will be interesting to see what the offer is. That will give you a good starting point to work from. Good luck!

 

A major auction house will set an estimate. That is the best starting point for determining value. A retailer will mark it up to make a profit which the original seller will not share.

Debora

 

will you take the quick nickel , or the slow dime..??

 

I wont jump on it.. your right..
I will let you know his offer.

 

Nothing wrong with leaving some meat on the bone to the dealer and take a cash offer, if reasonable. Any other option involves waiting, and only you know what's best for you in that regard. Only thing is, those 25K, I don't know where that came from, but it sounds like a bit too much to me. Several thousands, yes, but not that much. Just so you're prepared, and best of luck!

 

Not my decision to make but important to remember (and I put it bluntly)...

Whatever price a dealer gives you, someone else is willing to pay more.

Debora