How to find out the value of antique furniture

Question

My husband and I are looking to sell his grandmother's dining room set but, we have no idea what to ask for it. We could not find any markings as to who made it, all we could find is the year 1939 and the number 60 with the word acacia. I know that's a type of wood but I'm not sure if that what this is. It has a burl pattern on the fronts of the side boards, China cabinet and table. There is definite wear and tear noticeable. The set includes the table without the leaf, 5 chairs, China cabinet, buffet and side board. We live out in the country and are finding it difficult to find someone who would come out and give us an appraisal. We've already sent pictures to a company in New York and received no response. I don't want to go and sell this for peanuts if it turns out to be worth something and I don't want to old out for a high price, if it's not worth anything. I just want to be knowledgeable. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cindy

William · Answer

When I do research on anything I'm selling, I do a google search and look at google pictures to see if I find something similar and go check it out at the site. Sometimes you can find some sites that offer free appraisals and offer advice.

William · Answer

Try to find a makers mark or label. Some labels were placed on the bottom of drawers. Look on the bottoms of the sideboard and and buffet. Without any makers mark, they could have been mass produced and it would be hard to determine value. My opinion, based on your photos and the little research I have done, the complete set can bring anywhere from $4,000 to $6000.

Swan Road Designs · Answer

Putting a value on anything by photo only is risky to both the appraiser and the owner. It is impossible to check on the structural integrity of any of the pieces, which comes into play when evaluating any of the pieces.

You should post a photo of the 'markings' you've found. I don't think the acacia necessarily means what type of wood was used. From your photos, I feel the wood could be maple from the faint grain pattern. What you are calling burl most likely is not. Burl's characteristics are more pronounced and contain multiple tones.

As for the style of the suite, I would call it Hepplewhite-Sheraton. The backs of the chairs definitely display a Sheraton shield-back design and the curved fronts and fluted legs of the casement pieces say 'Hepplewhite.'

Putting a price on the suite is a bit problematic, in that it is incomplete. By that, I mean a chair is missing, as are the table leaves. Also, the table most definitely should be refinished and that is not as simple as stripping it and applying a coat of stain and a finish. I worked for over 25 years beside my late husband in our furniture restoration business, so I can speak from experience. That will have an impact on the value.

Here's how to think about what you have. From the photos, you have something that has huge potential and a grouping of furniture that is beautiful and serviceable. A future owner has to consider the expense of having the table brought back to life, along with whatever they pay for the other pieces. Also note that the chair seats will most likely be changed by the new owners. Another expense.

Look around at the homes and lifestyles of people in your region. Is a formal dining room set something that they will likely want/need? Are the current and newly constructed homes designed for this type of furniture? Visit furniture resale stores and antiques markets in your area and determine if furniture of this era is selling. The market for furniture of any era goes up and down like a roller coaster. Your area could be in a slump.

Having said all the above, here's how I'd value your pieces, sight unseen (except for your photos). Table $100. Chairs (each) $75. Sideboard $175. China cabinet $300. Buffet $200.

I'm not trying to be cruel here, just helpful and honest. I've seen too many people think they have a goldmine only to be painfully disappointed, and insulted, when they received only a fraction of what they were asking.

Karen · Answer

Go on Ebay, also Google style and then google value

Marlene Haigh · Answer

Try to find a local antique dealer. When my Aunt passed we had one come to her house and he took everything, auctioned it off and then sent us a check.

Jeanette S · Answer

This is so pretty. That 13 panel glass in the door is for the 13 original states. I know nothing about it...just wanted to comment that it is very pretty!

David · Answer

I would like to know if you find out anything, I am in Ontario and am finding the same problem with some of my pieces.

Johnchip · Answer

The golden rule of resale is: it is worth only as much as someone is willing to give you for it, nothing more. This is no museum piece, It is perhaps 40-60 years old. EBay prices are not appraisal values, they are what someone wants for something. I would go to a few resale hope and see what they price similar 'sets' for. I would imagine $600-800 ,and less for any damages, maybe a bit more if sold by the piece. Most people have already inherited 'old stuff' and don't want any more. Few want entire sets of old furniture, especially with damage. Good luck, but don't put a downpayment on the Porsche yet.

None · Answer

Bring the photos into an antique shop and ask. Even a good thrift store owner can give a ballpark figure.

Richard Perry · Answer

This is considered vintage or used furniture! it is not antique. an antique is at least 100 yrs. old. I have dealt with appraising furniture for years. It looks to be good quality. Needs refinishing of coarse. Start the price at 1200.00 dollars and be happy to get 800.00 dollars. good luck. Too bad it will not stay in the family. good luck!

Ranger · Answer

You could perhaps get in touch with auctioneers (ie Sotheby, Bonham's) and see what they think. Even going online to the Antiques Roadshow in Britain could prove useful. I have done that before - it's a bit of a learning curve trying to navigate their site but I got to an appraiser eventually.

Lois Franklin · Answer

Also keep in mind, the leaf is missing to the table and there's only 5 chairs. Most sets have 6.

Cindy · Answer

Thank you for the several different ideas I received.

Nan5844891 · Answer

This is classified as brown furniture. It unfortunately is not in demand today. Even antique wood pieces are not selling as well now. Best is to clean and polish it and try Craig's List.

MN Mom · Answer

This is a gorgeous set. It's in the style of Hepplewhite. George Hepplewhite became popular in England in the 1770's . A particular detail of his was to use a small rosette in a panel corner and the rounding of panels. If this were my set, I would make use of it myself or ask a relative if they would enjoy Grandmas set...maybe a younger person with a new home? I definitely would not just guess at a price and post it on Craig's List without getting a couple reputable estimates from dealers. Good furniture is always in demand if you know where to find people who appreciate it.

MN Mom · Answer

Here are examples of Hepplewhite chair backs. Someone mentioned Sheraton which is quite different although of the same era.

9530106 · Answer

Acacia would refer to the pattern of the leaf carvings on the pieces. They do appear to have some burl wood.

Susan Dye · Answer

It is a really lovely set,though it is not really an antique. In this country, it must be at least 100 yrs old to qualify as an antique. In Europe it must be at least 200 yrs old. However, as a beautiful, complete, vintage set it should bring a reasonable price. It is a shame you are not able to restore it's original beauty and use it yourself. Hope you find the set a nice home to create wonderful new memories for some lucky family.

Loni · Answer

Check on your local Craig's List and see what other sets similar are going for, it is not so much about what it is worth, it is what you can sell it for!

Suzie · Answer

I used ValueMyStuff.com and was very pleased with their response.

Linda Freiberg · Answer

Talk to an antique dealer. Take pictures with you and see what they have to say. I would advise getting more than 1 opinion.

Cindy · Answer

Thanks for all the feedback I received.

L.K.L. · Answer

This is SUCH an IMPORTANT issue! I have been alive for 70 + years and I grew up with a furniture fancier mother...at age 8 she taught me how to use 
Olde English  on mahogany furniture! She taught me how to clean wood furniture, how to care for different finishes, what was a quality piece, etc.
The trend of 'chalk painted' antiques is dying a well deserved death...people are wanting old furniture to be as designed and not painted...believe me, this fad is going OUT. So you can see that I am not making this idea up or being snide, please look at craiglist under furniture by owner and at antiques...you will see some pretty sad examples of what people have done to antiques and family heirlooms. Colors come in and out of style and to see a once gorgeous 1920's dining room set painted  some shade of aqua is, to me, nearly obscene. How about learning to refinish fine furniture and turn those 'good will finds' into heirlooms? Actual heirlooms? People also still purchase beautifully finished and REfinished furniture that speaks of an age and period. Believe me  it that way  during the Mid-20th Century! Actually a minority of people had 'Danish Modern'...All that to say, tastes differ that's for certain but KNOWING what you have BEFORE painting it should be basic and is so very important. Worth the time spent learning!

L.K.L. · Answer

Another thought: I was given a 1920's dining table and chairs on 'loan'...when my friend saw our 1910 house and large dining room she said 'I have the perfect table and chairs for this room in storage and you can have it for as long as you want' She was right, it is perfect for this old house. I changed only the fabric on chairs....I used a zany, multi-colored large paisley, which is both 21st century and timeless...it looks wonderful and we get many comments on how old furniture looks so cool with modern seat covers...MANY friends have asked 'your'e not going to chalk paint this, are you? ! ' Then I bring out the (now plastic) bottle of Olde English and say 'This is all I need' :) And indeed it is.

Maura White · Answer

I like to compare prices on eBay or Facebook marketplace. You can start with a high price, and be willing to dicker a bit and come down in price if you find the right buyer.

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