How To Determine The Worth of Antiques
By kbourgerie
@kbourgerie (8780)
United States
May 24, 2016 2:17pm CST
I have an antique cabinet that dates to about 1836. It's hand carved and in very good condition. I am having trouble finding out much more about it. I have asked online appraisers and even had a gentleman come out this morning from a local antique store. He told me that is so unique that I might have a hard time selling it unless I find someone that specifically decorates in that style. It's also hard for me to know how to sell it without a lot of information. It has the numbers 22 stamped inside both doors. The hardware dates back to the 1830's. Other than that all I know is it was someone's grandmothers, grandmothers, grandmothers grandmother. You get the idea. Any ideas on how to approach selling this item?
4 people like this
6 responses
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
24 May 16
I am trying to do that but don't now where to start in the asking price.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
24 May 16
have you talked to antique dealers as some really are knowledgeable about
antiques or that place antique show that travels around the countty and is
on line tooi? I cannot think of the namebut I watched them for years on ' 'tv.
1 person likes this
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
24 May 16
Hi Patsie. I have talked to several but am always open to talking to more. I might take a picture around the flea market next time they are open.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
24 May 16
@kbourgerie that might help a lot. glad to seeyou onmylot
@pumpkinjam (8770)
• United Kingdom
13 Nov 17
The value of anything is whatever someone is willing to pay!
Knowing the age of the item is a good start. You could try to find a dealer (or look online) who specialises in that particular era rather than looking at what the item is. Often, collectors/buyers will be more interested in the history of something more than it's practical use.
@crazyhorseladycx (39509)
• United States
25 May 16
'tis a beaut! i'd e'en like havin' such here'n my home. quite fond'f ol' schtuff :) i'd say continue'n yer quest to get a proper evaluation'f this treasure.
@boiboing (13153)
• Northampton, England
24 May 16
What the trade refers to as 'brown furniture' is having a really tough time over here in Europe and prices have dropped a lot. I would suggest that you need to find a good auctioneer who has a strong online catalogue presence and is interested to sell it for you. BUT if you don't need the money and you can afford to wait, I'd suggest to hang on and hope for a recovery in the market. Sooner or later the world will bore of IKEA and go back to buying the real thing again.
1 person likes this
@boiboing (13153)
• Northampton, England
24 May 16
@kbourgerie I know Bicester - now famous for the miles long queues for the outlet village. It's about 45 minutes from me.
For info, my mother was an antiques dealer!
@Hannihar (130213)
• Israel
11 Apr 18
@kbourgerie
Where you bought it could they help you at all with information?
