We acquired this antique console table and mirror from a family friend who passed away. I took pictures of it to an antique shop and he told me it looked to be a king Louis style replica that was made in the late 1800's as a replica and offered me $1500. any suggestions on a second opinion and where would be the best place to sell something like this?
2007-12-30 13:49:29 · 2 answers · asked by Richard H 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Sculpture
Hi... perhaps you can post a picture. If you prefer not, you should contact a reputable appraiser rather than a dealer who may have an interest in the pieces. A dealer has to leave room for profit, an appraiser's job is in pure evaluation. The best place to sell French furniture, as an individual, is through a fine auction house. Even if your pieces are 19th century rather than of the period, there were beautiful items made and they could do extremely well if they're fine specimens. What style are they? Louis XV, Louis XVI, Regence? Are they signed? Are they perhaps the work of a famous cabinetmaker? Have they been restored? Have they been altered? Only a professional will know how to determine these factors. Fine antique furnishings are like works of art. If you want to sell you should contact a major auction house like Sotheby's, Christies, Bonham's, etc., and arrange to send them photos. It might help to read the attached link as a general guide: http://www.albanyinstitute.org/collections/choosing_an_appraiser.htm
I wish you good luck!
2007-12-30 16:48:29 · answer #1 · answered by guess who at large 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm. If he offered you $1500 for it, there is a good chance that it may not be a replica, or at least worth considerably more. Let me check for my antique valuation list.
2007-12-30 21:58:00 · answer #2 · answered by Ruth Boaz 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋