Identifying an Antique Chest?

Judy
Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts

January 29, 20190 found this helpful

It looks like a dresser. Look underneath, on the back and in the drawers for markings, so that you can identify the manufacturer.

Pghgirl40
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January 29, 20190 found this helpful

To me it looks like a burl wood, empire style dresser...probably a woman's vs. the taller man of the house version.

I always consider them to have an oriental flare to them, but since this isn't my style of furniture (I am more a mid century modern, clean lines and art deco fan), I haven't studied a lot about this style, this is just how I always thought of these kind of pieces.

I know in some places these type of pieces still command high values at antique stores and auctions.

I would recommend having a trusted antique dealer look at it and confirm if it is a real piece or a modern reproduction.

Please post back what you learn! This is a neat piece and even though it is not my personal style, I love learning about all things furniture!

Robyn

January 29, 20190 found this helpful

Hi,

This looks like it may be worth something. I would look up a local auction house and ask if they have an appraisal day where people can bring things in to get their antiques appraised for free. \

Have a wonderful day!

Robyn

cybergrannie
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January 30, 20190 found this helpful

Nice dresser/chest of drawers.
It is difficult to identify antique and even vintage furniture without more information unless you are an "expert" in that field.

• Sometimes markings are difficult to find as they sometimes fade out as they age so be sure to look closely on the back and inside and underneath every drawer just in case there is a marking/number or name.
• On site appraisals can be expensive and usually a lot of trouble but there are some online sites that offer free appraisals and usually the information is extensive and very accurate.
• They may give you an insurance "value" and the true value is not always the same as different areas regard styles of furniture in different ways (as Pghgirl explained). You can always ask for a selling/buying value.
• To ask for an appraisal you will need to go to a little more trouble as you will need several good (not so dark) pictures of the front, back, sides, and any markings you find.
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• You will also need to provide measurements and supply any information you regarding the provenance of the piece. Where did it come from - any information on age and locations it has been.
• If you go the extra step and send information to more than one site, you will find out about your piece. I hope you will do this and post back what you find out as we love to hear results of a search.
• www.whatsellsbest.com/.../antiques.html