posted on March 20, 2001 02:49:17 PM new
I have a friend who has some furniture that may be of some value. It is kind of neat looking and very comfortable, but I can't place the name or correct date of the furniture. I am thinking perhaps 30's? Help is appreciated! The first pic is of the chair (there is a chair and sofa) and the second is a closeup of the fabric.
posted on March 20, 2001 03:16:03 PM new
Art deco club chair, Cut chenile upholstery . A very pricey item in some markets. How are the springs? the firmness of the chair and the confition of the wood? just my opinion. It should be stuffed with horse hair
posted on March 20, 2001 04:00:14 PM new
The springs in the chair are not too bad but the sofa really sags.
The wood shows wear and the finish is starting to wear off. None of the wood is broken. The normal nicks and scratches of decades of use but very nice carving. It appears to be dark wood, possibly walnut?
The upholstery is about 50% good and 50% poor. The back and cushions are good. Former owner had pets including cats which liked the arms for scratching (ouch!)so the arms are severely worn. The chair is faded from the sunshine and has some stains. The sofa has about a 6 inch rip in the back where it probably got snagged during a move but the color of the upholstery is still dark and rich. The upholstery has never been cleaned.
Overall, one might want to refinish the wood and reupholster the pieces, but the frames are very sturdy and tight.
posted on March 20, 2001 04:12:16 PM new
Mayer31 is right on target. You know your stuff. This is a Art Deco Club chair, and your date is very accurate. DO NOT REFINISH THE WOOD under any circumstaces. The material looks original and I would bet my last dollar on that. Professional cleaning would be your first avenue. The springs in the sofa can and should be replaced by a pro in the antiques reconditioning field. The best ones will use springs from other chairs or sofas of the same vintage that can not be reconditioned.
If you are going to sell the items, sell them "AS IS" and let the new owner take chances on reconditioning. Not seeing the sofa, but from past experience and your description, I would say the sofa could sell for $1500.00 - 2,000.00 as it stands now. The chair would fetch about $1,000.00 as it sits now. Totally redone by a true craftsman you are looking at $6,000.00 - 8,000.00 for both in the average northeast market. If you were in Georgia you could expect up to $15,000.00 for the pair.
posted on March 20, 2001 04:59:48 PM new
OH MY! She was going to burn them! Am I glad I stopped her! Whew! Thanks so much for the help!
Anyway, do you have any thoughts as to what we might expect if listed on Ebay? If we list them where to start the bidding price? Should we state that it is up to the buyer to arrange to move them? Or would we do better just putting an ad in the paper or periodical locally? (in the midwest?) Should we sell them as a set (which they are) or sell them separately?
posted on March 20, 2001 05:35:03 PM new
Selling them on Ebay may require you to get involved in shipping the pieces. Do your homework in advance. Measure BOTH pieces and get the bath scales out and try to weigh them. Then call around get a ball park on shipping to the for corners of the US. Be sure to have a shot glass of good whiskey in your hand when you find out how much shipping is. I guarantee the shot glass will be empty within seconds.
Depending on the size of your local community, you may have an annual antique auction or you might be able to consign the pieces in a QUALITY Antique shop for a % of the sale price. Aviod those road side "Flee Market" type so called antique stores. The must be a high level Antique Dealer close by you. That is the best suggestion this old hag has to offer.
I know my stuff, girl. Been doing this over 50 years. At 85, you can't get over on me. You have a true jewel on your hands. Clean it up and make a BIG PROFIT
posted on March 21, 2001 04:57:45 AM new
What parts of the country are getting high prices for this type of 1930 parlor set?
Not here in New England, that's for sure. Hope you will post a follow up to let us know what it finally sells for (and if it's over $500, I'll point you to the one in my aunt's house.
posted on March 21, 2001 05:18:51 AM new
I will try to get back on this. I am not sure how my friend will want to sell the set, but she will be thrilled to see more than $5 for it.
