This was my grandmother's piece. It was in her dining room. It's where she kept her nicesilverware and things of that nature. I was just curious to know any history on it. Estimated age? Time period?
After indulging in antique furniture history for days now I am still unsure of its history. I'm thinking it's possibly walnut with burl veneer. Possibly early 1900s? But I am unsure due to the style and or designs on this piece . (Ex. around the mirror/molding/trim/corner blocks/plinth boxes). Also is this considered a dresser or chest of drawers with mirror? I;m not looking for its history or value to sale. My intention was to paint it, but I would hate to do so if it does happen to be a valuable piece whether it be due to its history or its actual worth. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
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I did not see any name of a company that has made this piece of furniture. That really makes it so hard to identify the maker of this piece and the age. Can you check the back or even the bottom to see if you can find any identifying marks or signature on this dresser? If not take the photos you have posted here to an antique shop in your area and they should be able to help you out.
I have looked everywhere. The back, the bottom, Ive taken the drawers out, looked in the inside, and anywhere else I could think of. Ill try and find a local antique dinner.
It is gorgeous, and if it is the burled wood, it is of more value than if it is a painted/printed veneer. Burl is when the wood was diseased or molded and it turned the pattern into something beautiful (a really short answer to a really complex creation).
I think you are close in the age--this is a mission/craftsman/Arts and Crafts style piece, very late 1800s to the 1920s or a 1960s-1980s repro piece--that would need to be determined by someone looking at it in person or if you know it was around before the 60s/80s than it most likely is a period piece--which will have more value (in some markets, if pristine and if original, it could be valued from $100-$500--or even more if there was someone who really wanted it to complete a set).
It is too small to be a dresser (I think) hard to tell without seeing it in person) so it was probably sold as a small sideboard for the dining area or butler pantry. I suppose it could have been a child's dresser, but the sideboard seems more likely for the time period.
I usually tell people to paint things if they love them and want to refresh them. That is totally up to you...you won't be able to retire off the sale if sold today...or ever probably as furniture pieces rarely have huge returns in the resale world.
If you do paint, the only thing to know is if you ever change your mind, stripping the paint may damage the wood and it most likely would never be able to be restored to the original look.
Thanks for sharing!! It is lovely!!
Thank you so much for all your information. My grandmother inherited this piece from her mother, so I believe it is an original piece and not a replica. Also, you are so right about it being sold as a sideboard. Thats exactly what she used it as.
Very nice - and useful!
Your grandmother may have used it as sideboard but I do not think that is what it was originally named.
Usually Sideboards were in the dining area and most were long and lower so that food/wine/water/etc (some had mirrors) could be placed on top as to be handy for servants (or family) to serve to family or guests. Drawers and compartments would have held linens/silverware and odd accessories (like a wine opener) or anything that might be needed during the dinner/supper hour.
I believe this might have been called either a 'highboy' or a 'gentleman's' chest of drawers (actually, dresser was often used instead of chest).
Although many of the gentleman's chests had smaller compartments on top (for holding tie pins, cuff links, etc) and some had compartments and drawers but still, I think this might also fit the description.
Example:
www.etsy.com/
This piece has been around for a long time and is a part of your family history so be sure you want to change the look because you will never be able to restore this finish.
As to acquiring more information, there are several sites that have knowledgeable people that can probably provide a lot of information as they have access to sites that we do not have.
All of your pictures are good but you really need a good picture of the full front, side and back; preferably not from looking down but facing the chest.
I hope you will present your pictures and information to some of these sites and then if you decide to seek out an antique dealer you'll already have some information.
Just keep in mind - not very many business people provide free information.
www.myantiquefurniturecollection.../
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