Featured Need help. Any info on this piece would be much appreciated

Discussion in 'Furniture' started by CreativeFinish, Jun 1, 2018.

  1. CreativeFinish

    CreativeFinish New Member

    I recently purchased this piece to restore and resell. I loved the carvings. but of course as usual I cannot find anything similar except a piece by Horner. Of course I would love it to be one of his but the main issue I am coming across is the joints they are mortise and tension with just a few pins/dowels.[​IMG][​IMG]
     
  2. verybrad

    verybrad Well-Known Member

    Not sure what you want to know.....

    Why is this an issue?
     
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  3. CreativeFinish

    CreativeFinish New Member

    Ha, sorry it's because I cannot find anything to verify I am correct or if the $150 I purchased it for was well spent I plan to restore and resell for minimum $500, I believe this is a great price but without solid verification of piece I don't feel comfortable asking to much
     
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  4. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    Don't know where you are....but a quick read of the forum will come up with many comments on how ' brown furniture' is at an all time low in the marketplace...
    even period restoration would not get me to pay $500 for this nice item...
     
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  5. James Conrad

    James Conrad Well-Known Member

    Yeah, unfortunately, Komo is correct. With a few exceptions like Shaker, Mission by well known makers and a few other categories, antique furniture is a tough sell in the middle market & victorian is especially slow.
     
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  6. CreativeFinish

    CreativeFinish New Member

    I thank everyone for their help. I have not found that to be much of an issue with my furniture after restoration. Its just with this piece I like to have as much info as possible to give a potential customer.

    The 2 pieces below where in bad shape and the hall table was literally in pieces and water damaged. Both where as you say brown furniture. Dresser I got $500 for hall table I received $800 the 4th pic is displayed in the customers home.

    Also I get confused because everyone has a different opinion about which era and style is worth something. I have 2 empire crotch Mahogany 1820-1830 dressers that I was told even restored would only bring me around $200-$250. But that is not really what i am asking per say.... I would have liked info on a specific style and age within 30 years and possible makers that I could research. I appreciate everyone taking the time to help
    [​IMG][​IMG]
    [​IMG][​IMG]
     
  7. verybrad

    verybrad Well-Known Member

    Late Victorian. Turn of the century, give or take. Probably will never find who made this unless you stumble upon a catalog page or marked example. Nice piece but not $500.00 nice in my Midwest market, even if restored.
     
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  8. clutteredcloset49

    clutteredcloset49 Well-Known Member

    You obviously do very nice refinishing and have a high end clientele market.

    Most of us do not have your skills/or may no longer be wiling to put the effort in. Nor do we have a market with a ready cash flow.

    I would say you are in a unique position different from the rest of us. Good for you.
     
  9. clutteredcloset49

    clutteredcloset49 Well-Known Member

    Would like to see pictures of the desk once you refinish.
     
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  10. CreativeFinish

    CreativeFinish New Member

    Of course. Will be happy to post finished piece.
     
  11. CreativeFinish

    CreativeFinish New Member

    Thank you I try and really do love the work!!! Not too high end on clientele I use Facebook Marketplace for most of my selling.Plus living in the New England area really helps
     
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  12. Aquitaine

    Aquitaine Is What It IS! But NEVER BORED!

    You DO have a lot going for you! Age (young), Energy (lots of it!), and willingness to put time in to your finds.....looks like it pays off as what you've shown us looks beautiful!!:):) WAY TO GO! And, yes, would love to see this piece restored....I have a feeling it will look wonderful!!
     
  13. clutteredcloset49

    clutteredcloset49 Well-Known Member

    I think if you wanted to - you could market your skills as a re-finisher.

    Print up some business cards and drop them off at a few antique stores.
    Do consider any liabilities you might encounter with picky customers. Start with simple pieces, not requiring repair.
     
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  14. CreativeFinish

    CreativeFinish New Member

    I do some refinishing and minor repair now along with restoring and reselling. But I am wary of antique store customers because of the reason you stated. Way too picky. I am very OCD as it is and most likely over do most of my pieces, so if i was nervous about a picky customer I might never be finished cause I will always see a mark or specks of dust in the finish when I am an inch away from the surface. Which you can never honestly remove all specks but I try anyway!!!
     
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