Victorian gentleman's dresser
I believe this to be an 1800's unrestored victorian gentlman's dresser with marble top in the center. I don't know the wood but perhaps walnut? I purchased at an antiques fair outside the Chicago area around 2001. I have done nothing to the piece. It is in the same basic condition as when purchased to the best of my knowledge. The drawers each have a lock, but I don't own the key. 82 in. height x 38.5 in. width 18 in. depth
unknown
Gallery/Dealer
Yes
Good morning, David,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. Based on the photographs and information provided, and subject to examination, this is a:
Renaissance Revival Walnut or Maple Dressing Chest with Mirror
Part of chest surmounted with a white marble slab
American or English, third quarter 19th century (1850-1875)
82 inches high, 38 1/2 inches wide, 18 inches deep
Condition appears good commensurate with age and use.
$600-900
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you for using Mearto.
Hi David,
There may be different kinds of wood in this - one for the case sides and another for the drawer fronts. If you can take clear (ie not blurry) photographs in good light that show the grain that would be very helpful.
Re value...you say this is "unrestored" - I take that to mean it has never been repaired or refinished and has honest age and wear, which can include some scuffing, scratches, minor breaks and age splits. "Superb" condition is not the same as "unrestored" and would likely imply that it has had some minor restoration to get it to look 'new.' These kinds of pieces used to be more sought after than they are now - in the current market, a piece like this in pristine ORIGINAL condition might bring as much as $2,000, at an auction house that sells more of this kind of furniture where the auction house attracts clients who look for this kind of thing. (Fontaine's, New Orleans Auctions, Great Gatsby). As far as where your piece falls in the spectrum, more desirable pieces are those in better original condition and ones that can be attributed to a specific maker. In my experience, your piece falls near the middle but on the lower-value end of things. Does that help?
Yes, thank you. You mentioned that these pieces used to be more sought after than they are now... can you tell me how long ago the "hot" market for these were? Also, do these markets come in cycles if you wait long enough (like clothing fashion) or is it more random than that. I appreciate your help.
The height of the market for Victorian furniture was in the 1980s and I don't think it will ever come back to that level again. This piece might have been worth a few thousand then. Your best bet is to find an auction house known for doing well with this style (see my previous comment) and see what they think of this piece as it is a very specialized niche of the market and they have a much better idea what their clients/buyers might pay for this. I've researched comparable pieces that have sold at auction within the past 2 years and $600-900 was the average price - some were higher, some were lower but it was an estimate I felt comfortable putting on this.
Thank you very much. Very helpful
Hello, thanks for the appraisal. I was wondering if you can tell me the highest $ amount possible for this type of piece(one that is in superb condition). Or another way to ask you would be what is the most you have seen this piece or one like it auctioned for? I need to know (it would be very helpful at least) where my piece falls in the spectrum and will help me with resale. Lastly, you say it is either Walnut or Maple. Is there a way I can send you a photo that would clarify this for you visually? thank you for you assistance. David