Hi Molly,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

While most people will focus on the "bubble glass" in this breakfront cabinet (an aspect developed in the 1930s and 40s), it's the yellow "japanned" treatment of the paint decoration that is most coveted and meant to emulate lacquered surfaces made in China and Japan in the 18th and 19th Centuries.

I'm attributing this to Karges based on virtually identical examples also made by Karges, which was founded in 1886 in Evansville, Indiana by Albert F. Karges, a German immigrant cabinetmaker. From the start, Karges positioned itself at the very high end of the American furniture market, specializing in handmade, luxury pieces inspired by European designs. The business stayed in the Karges family for over 120 years, with four generations leading the company.

While these might retail for a few thousand dollars, ones that have sold at auction recently have brought fair-market values ranging from $$8001,200.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage Chinoiserie decorated breakfront sideboard cabinet
Attributed to Karges, circa 1930s-40s
With an outset molded cornice over two outset bays flanked by recessed bays, each with glazed doors with bubble glass, the lower section fitted with a central drawer and flanked by short drawers on either side, over cupboard doors with landscape decoration, on a box base.
Height: 6 feet 6 inches; width: 6 feet; depth: 15 inches
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition with minor wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$800-1,200*
*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, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia