Hi Ryan,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The French Empire period came after the French Revolution and was in the first two decades of the 19th Century. This is made of mahogany though the secondary woods that make up the drawer are oak.
The market for this kind of furniture has softened considerably since 1990 and the $5,000 price stated in the letter is identified as a retail price, which are always higher than fair-market prices, which are what Mearto provides. If you paid $695 for this at auction, you paid a reasonable price.
If you'd like for your appraisal to include dimensions, which is customary, please forward in the comments section - at your convenience - the height, width and depth and I'll update this ASAP.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A French Empire ormolu mounted mahogany chest of drawers
First Quarter 19th Century
The rectangular top with flat edge over a corresponding case fitted with an outset long drawer over three long drawers all with brass pulls and flanked by ormolu mounted columns, all raised on tapering spade feet.
(DIMENSIONS)
CONDITION: top possibly replaced.
PROVENANCE: acquired at auction
$500-800*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.