Victorian Furniture

Stunning Amoire looking for info - age, value, history

Started by jjtroncone · March 15, 2008 · 5 posts · 4 images

Archive summary

Victorian Furniture thread on victorianforum.com · started March 15, 2008 by jjtroncone · 5 posts, 4 image attachments · discussion in 2008.

Good day to you all! I have had this piece since 1980. It is gorgeous! It fits together like a puzzle - the 3 cabinets & the top & bottom frame. I have used it as an entertainment center. I believe it to be French or Art Deco from other pictures I have found on the web. I…

Good day to you all!

I have had this piece since 1980.  It is gorgeous!  It fits together like a puzzle - the 3 cabinets & the top & bottom frame.  I have used it as an entertainment center.  I believe it to be French or Art Deco from other pictures I have found on the web.  I have never seen wood this color, they told me it was pumpkin mahogany when I purchased it from Laws in VA.

I am older now and starting to downsize my home & wish to sell it.  Please assist with any ideas you may have.

Thank you,

Jennifer
armoire 001 — Stunning Amoire looking for info - age, value, history
armoire 001 — Stunning Amoire looking for info - age, value, history
armoire 004 — Stunning Amoire looking for info - age, value, history
armoire 004 — Stunning Amoire looking for info - age, value, history
armoire 003 — Stunning Amoire looking for info - age, value, history
armoire 003 — Stunning Amoire looking for info - age, value, history
armoire 002 — Stunning Amoire looking for info - age, value, history
armoire 002 — Stunning Amoire looking for info - age, value, history
My guess is that this is early 1900s.  I'm of the opinion that it probably isn't a 19th-century Biedermeier piece, but some of those are pretty sneaky in just how "modern" they can look.  I'm not really comfortable trying to be any more specific than "early 1900s"... I can't tell if it is American or what-not from the photos and this particular style doesn't scream out to me as anything in particular.  The style appeals to a very wide market...just "early 1900s"...I might even call it "traditional". 

In Wisconsin I would expect to see something like this retail for around $2,000 ($1,600 to $2,500, depending on the fine details & such).  Please refer to some of the many similar examples at the following web site for an antique store in Appleton, WI: 

http://www.harpgallery.com/showroom/cid/2/

I haven't paid enough attention to these types of Armoires on ebay or at auctions, but I might guess that they auction for $800 to over $1,000.  As with any auction, "it depends". 

Thank you,

Jason
I think 1881 nailed it pretty well. 

Jennifer, if you get a chance, a few closeups of the hardware might be telling for us.

John
Greetings from Philadelphia,
Judging from the quality and kind of mahogany veneer and the bold cornice and simple lines I would venture to guess that this is a mid 19th century "Empire" piece that may have come from England; Empire is probably not quite accurate here as the moldings and recessed panels are derived more from 19th century cabinet makers' interpretation of classical and baroque Italian forms.  Perhaps vernacular Italianate would be a more accurate description.  If the secondary woods are oak (not pine or poplar) it is probably English.

Gregory in Philadelphia

By the way, I do believe this kind of shimmery mahogany is called ribbon mahogany. . . I would venture to guess that one might get around $1500 for the piece, maybe more.  The condition does look good but often warping on the doors on these pieces can be a problem.