Huntley tall boy dresser- It’s five drawers and it’s top drawer stands out more than the four below and there is some intricate wood work on it. There is a medallion on the top right of the first drawer that says Huntley furniture and on the back there is a stamp that says 1540 1/2 dresser. It appears to be a mahogany or cherry wood in fair to good condition with some Knicks and scrapes.
33 wide by 17 depth by 51 inches height.
I inherited this from a great grandparent. I believe this furniture is early 1900s or possibly earlier. I don’t know. I’m trying to figure out if I’m going to devalue the furniture by painting it a mid century modern motif and adding new pulls to it or if I will increase the value by doing that? I don’t want to paint it if it’s going to devalue it more
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A vintage Georgian style mahogany tall chest of drawers
made by Huntley Furniture Co., Winston-Salem, NC, first half 20th Century
Of rectangular section, the corresponding molded edged top with bowed front over a case fitted with five cockbeaded long drawers with oval brass pulls and flanked by reeded/fluted pilasters, all on tall downcurving French feet. Inside of one drawer bearing maker's label; back stenciled "1540 1/2 CHEST".
51 inches overall height, 33 inches wide, 17 inches deep
CONDITION: appears to be in good condition with some wear commensurate with age and use.
PROVENANCE: inherited
$400-600*
*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.
There is a growing demand for reproduction (which this is, the original form was made in the late 18th/early 19th Century) furniture that has been painted. BUT, if you are thinking of selling this, we generally suggest leaving it "as is" and letting whomever buys it do what THEY want to is. Of course, if you're planning to keep it, and accept that it *might* devalue a piece by painting it or refinishing ir or whatever, you should feel free to do what makes you most happy with it.
Does that help?
Thank you!
I wanted to know if you think I will devalue the piece by painting it a navy blue or teal color and putting brass/gold colored pulls on it? Do you think I am better off just trying to polish the piece I have and selling it as is or do I get to do a project? Just trying to find out if I will add value by painting it? Or should I just paint it and leave the existing pulls on it but polished up?