Featured Is this of any value?

My wife purchased a piece of furniture that looks a few hundred years old as a shabby chic project.

Before she gets to work at transforming it I thought it was prudent just to check that this piece isnt of major value beforehand. It isn’t in great condition but I guess this is par for the course for old furniture that hasn’t been stored in a great environment. I share a few images

https://www.dropbox.com/s/pzwu4tvrvhdrspv/Photo 22-01-2019, 20 06 39.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/pzru6nebovo5ctc/Photo 22-01-2019, 20 06 01.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lgzqqh79va057qs/Photo 22-01-2019, 20 05 56.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/chfxa114ige00bq/Photo 22-01-2019, 20 05 28.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bys2qeleeknf2lg/Photo 22-01-2019, 20 05 13.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/y16cucyxtsaqedu/Photo 22-01-2019, 20 06 20.jpg?dl=0

 

Hi @AndyUK

These links won't work for some... you should be able to
1. Upload them from Dropbox or Dropbox folder on your computer
2. Choosing view all images "full size" will display them in your post...

Welcome!

 

Ah sorry

 

bigger is better.....



I say....have at it.........let her have her fun !

 

Yeah, I am goin Komo on this one, getting in the way of a wife's decorating plans can be hazardous to one's health.

 

I can't help with age or value , I just wanted to say that I've never seen a hinge like that before. Does anyone know if that's unusual or is it normal for a specific period? Just curious.

 

Although this is way out of my knowledge base, I'd guess French sideboard/buffet, Victorian era or later.

 

It certainly is very old. All the joints are hand made it’s such a shame it hasn’t been looked after very well. I can only imagine what this looked like when it was crafted.

 

Yeah, I hear you but, in USA antique brown furniture sells for a song in most cases, it's just not in fashion here, not sure about GB.
That said, paint can actually help the piece survive if it gets it into the house, paint can always be removed as well.

 

Hm. I think those feet have been got at, or may even have had casters. I'm reluctant to say it ought to be touched. I do think it's older than 20th century and possibly older than 19th. That cross laid parquetry top is very interesting. Photo of it straight on please? And the insides? Oh, and the inner fixing for the handles. And the hinges.

 

Personally, I like it and think it would be a shame to paint it.

 

FYI - I recently read that decorators are starting to use brown furniture again. So there may be a rise in prices coming in the next few years.

 

Yeah, French or Italian. I'm thinking ca. 1900 or later. European craftsman used hand-made dovetails well into the 20th century. As said above, the parquetry is beautiful; it would be a shame to cover it up.

 

Yes....but more of a shame if Wifey tosses you in the dawg house !!

 

A true antique and would be a shame to paint. Condition does not look that bad to me. Some clean up and a new finish would do wonders for this. Not in fashion now and not a lot of value but that is bound to change in the future.

 

Those hinges! Really nice, Andy

 

I agree with 19th century French provincial. That top is beautiful and unusual. Imo it needs tlc, not shabby chic.

 

lol, well, it looks like it's 100 to 1 against painting with me being the contrarian here but, i am still going with the wife on this one, PAINT IT!

It belongs to her, she bought it and wants to paint it, what's the problem exactly?

How much did she pay for it? I gather not a lot and although it is probably antique, it is not in fashion and not of "major value".
Another thing is, paint is not permanent, it can be removed later as tastes, fashions change.
Add all that up, PAINT IT!

 

Well, if it is hers, she can do what she likes with it.
I just want to defend a poor piece of furniture that has no voice to stand up for itself.