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Value of Antique Grand Rapids Imperial Furniture?

A certification plaque for True Grand Rapids Imperial Furniture.
The Imperial Furniture Company was founded in 1903. They initially made tables and later added a line of bookcases. Mahogany was the main wood used with some cherry pieces available. Imperial was the first factory to bring out Duncan Phyfe reproductions. This page contains information that may be helpful in determining the value of a piece of Imperial furniture.
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33 Questions

Ask a QuestionHere are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.

February 7, 2021

Hi, I've been given this table and wondered what the slide out piece is for? I assumed it was for umbrellas but unsure.

I'm in the UK, does this have any value as the brand isn't known here? Thanks!

A side table with a bottom tray that pulls out.
 
A tray that pulls out from the side of a table.
 
A marking on the back of a table.
 

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Bronze Tip Medal for All Time! 59 Tips
February 7, 20210 found this helpful
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Imperial tables made between 1910 and 1917 were marked with an oval logo, but later pieces had a shield-shaped logo, so this particular table was made during the second quarter of the 20th century.

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This table is fairly close to your table, to give you an idea of the current selling price:
www.ebay.com/.../143351596882?hash=item21606bc752...
www.ebay.com/.../bn_7024864787
I found this info for the Imperial furniture company, per the label on your table.
www.furniturecityhistory.org/.../imperial-furniture-co
Some more interesting info here:
www.google.com/search?q=imperial+furniture+company...)

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December 12, 2017

I inherited this True Grand Rapids Imperial mahogany table with brass feet and was wondering what it is worth?

Thank you so much for your help.

Value of True Grand Rapids Value of True Grand Rapids Imperial Mahogany Table
 
Value of True Grand Rapids Imperial Mahogany Table - three legged pedestal table
 
A certification plaque for True Grand Rapids Imperial Furniture.
 
Value of True Grand Rapids Imperial Mahogany Table
 

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
December 15, 20171 found this helpful
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I would ask $275

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Silver Post Medal for All Time! 433 Posts
December 17, 20171 found this helpful
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It's worth about 800 dollars there is one very similiar on E-Bay.

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March 30, 2022

Hello, We have this table that's is pretty good shape, and was wondering what it would be worth?

A wooden table.
 
The side view of a long wooden table.
 
The manufacturer's marking on a wooden table.
 
Information on the underside of a wooden table.
 

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December 28, 2020

Any thoughts on the value and age of this Imperial Furniture table? The top appears to be covered in leather.

A wooden side table with a lower shelf.
 
Markings on the bottom of a wooden table.
 

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
December 28, 20200 found this helpful
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Nice example of a federal style magazine table--at least that it what it appears to be....hard to tell if the bottom is cantilevered.

If it is, this one is close so watch it to see if it sells:

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www.ebay.com/.../143351596882

They are asking $175. That would be the value for US + shipping. I personally think that is a little high--but I always tell people to start high and negotiate. I found a similar one that sold for $60 in 2015. Sadly furniture prices have dropped since then so that may even be a high ask.

As to age, I searched old newspapers and found most of the refences for this type of table from 1940-1941. There were no photos though.


I do always recommend having a professional reseller look at it in person to make sure of what you have and the value. I can only do so much by a photo. There may be things that I would see in person that would change my mind of age and value and of course, condition--which no matter what you have impacts final value.

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Post back what you learn!

Thanks for sharing!

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Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
December 28, 20200 found this helpful
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This appears to be a side table but I have not seen another exactly like it. I do not believe that I have ever seen a leather table top that looks like your table top but the pictures are not very clear and there is no picture of the top so it's difficult to tell.
There is a museum that has a lot of their furniture displayed so you may be able to contact them and ask your questions. They may wish to have better pictures and a picture of the Imperial mark on the bottom of the table.

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www.grpm.org/.../

Here is a link to company history and some of their furniture marks.
www.furniturecityhistory.org/.../imperial-furniture-co

Here is a link to similar questions:
www.thriftyfun.com/Value-of-Antique-Grand-Rapids-Imperial...

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November 29, 2020

I was hoping you could tell me more about this table. I picked it up at a garage sale for 10 bucks and was hoping to make a little money on it!

A coffee table with a metal border on the sides.
 
A label on the underside of a side table.
 
A coffee table with a metal border on the sides.
 

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
November 29, 20200 found this helpful
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It is marked Imperial and Mahogany. From the label (green with the crown) it is 1962 or later.

Most people use these as a coffee table, although people with young children found them quite dangerous as little hands got caught in those decorative brass pieces and caused a lot of broken and bruised fingers.

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$10 is about all they sell for where I am so you got a good deal.

You may be in a place where they resell for more, but in many places there are a glut. Furniture sales are very regional so your location could be low supply, high demand and you could fetch $100 for it.

Start high and take best offer!!

Thanks for sharing!

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Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 105 Posts
November 29, 20200 found this helpful
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I am not sure where you live but normally in the area, you bought this table has a big influence on the value it is worth. You said you only paid $10 for the table at a garage sale. You'd like to make a little money off this table. I really don't see you making that much off the purchase of this table. You can try listing this on a classified ad site in your areas such as Craigslist or even FB to ask double what you paid for it. You might get lucky and double your investment on this table but I really can't see you making that much more. These tables just don't sell for a lot of money online or in local areas. A lot of people have changed the style of furniture they use in these homes.

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Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
November 29, 20200 found this helpful
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Under normal circumstances, finding a nice table for $10 would be a good thing but considering the world situation and no one knowing when things will get better, not very many people are interested in buying furniture that has no 'useful' value.
By that I mean; coffee tables have gone out of style and you will generally only find them in larger homes or homes without children or dogs. Sometimes they will still be popular in 'older' neighborhoods but many people are downsizing and just want to get rid of the types of furniture that have little purpose except to 'sit' in front of a sofa.
I'm only stating this as you would probably have been able to flip your table for more money if it was another type/style table.

From my research on Imperial history, I see this type label (green w/dark crown) as somewhere after 1939 and the 123 on the label shows it is real mahogany.
"The Genuine Mahogany 123 marking was used by Michigan based furniture maker's to differentiate the true mahogany pieces from those produced to mimic the higher end wood's tone and look.
www.furniturecityhistory.org/.../imperial-furniture-co

It's still possible you may be able to sell your table for a little more if you clean it up, take some good pictures and list it for sale on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, IOffer, LetGo, OfferUp. You can list it on several sites at one time. It the table cleans up nice, start your price at $75 and show best offer considered with local pick up only. If you do not receive any offers after 2 or 3 months then lower the price and wait again.
As I noted before, furniture pieces are slow sellers but you could get lucky and sell it right away.
Good luck and happy 'flipping'.

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May 31, 2022

I have a table with a shield logo and the words "Imperial Tables Imperial Furniture Company 1551". Can anyone tell me where I might find any info about this?


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December 2, 2021

How much might this table be worth and where could I possibly sell it?

A small round pedestal table.
 
Value of Imperial Table?
 
A number on the underside of a table.
 
Writing on the underside of a table.
 

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November 19, 2021

Hello, looking for more information about this table, side table, end table, magazine table, etc. True Grand Rapids Furniture Company ~ Certified I - 30061 ~ #1326A small table with shelves.

 

Ive searched other sites and have not been able to research this specific table.

A small table with shelves.
 
A serial number on the bottom of a table.
 
A manufacturer's marking on the underside of a table.
 
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June 13, 2019

We have had this desk sitting in the garage for several years and are wondering if it is worth anything.

Value of an Imperial Furniture Grand Rapids Desk - antique mahogany desk
 
Value of an Imperial Furniture Grand Rapids Desk - ornate desk legs
 
Value of an Imperial Furniture Grand Rapids Desk
 

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Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
June 13, 20190 found this helpful
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This brand of furniture has held its value. It is worth at least $200, and probably more. www.ebay.com/.../bn_7024793868

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Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
June 13, 20190 found this helpful
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Nice sturdy, functional piece you have there!!

So the single drawer versions are selling (ACTUAL sold prices--not asking prices) for $250 local pick up in Shiocton, Wisconsin (it was on eBay).

Since I can't find a two drawer comparable to give you today's value, I can guesstimate that a 2 drawer would fetch $25-$50 more than a one drawer.

The challenge is sales like this are:

1. better if done in person (the eBay sale was local pick up only)

2. different values in different parts of the country--where I am, I know people wouldn't pay that much for this piece--so you have to know your market to get a good value for it--we know in Shiocton, Wisconsin, it is worth $250 for a one drawer and guess that a two drawer would have a slightly higher value.

Selling is all about supply and demand so if you are in a high demand, low supply location, you may get even more, if you are in a place like me, where there is a high supply and a low demand, you will fetch less.

Since this is a large and lovely piece, you would be best served to work with a reputable 2nd hand furniture dealer or antique store (even though it is not an antique) and have them sell it for you.

Most people are not going to hand over that much cash to a person for a sale (like if you tried to sell it yourself on Facebook marketplace). You could try it...but you will get the most exposure through a shop.You pay a percentage of the sale, but usually end up winning in the long run because there is no muss or fuss, the piece leaves your house, sits as long as it needs to sit to sell, and you get a check. To me, that is well worth the slight money difference!

Post back with an update on how much you fetch for this neat item! Thanks for sharing!!

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Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
June 14, 20190 found this helpful
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You can probably use this piece as a desk but I believe it would be unusual to find a true desk with drop-down side pieces.
Perhaps it was used as a library table or davenport/sofa table or foyer table or even a side table used for serving in the dining area?

That information may not be important but if you want top dollar for furniture you need to know as much about it as possible.
Your label does not seem to match any advertised labels for Imperial Furniture Company so maybe someone can explain about the difference.

Lyre base tables are usually popular but condition means everything with furniture (for top value). Your table seems to be in good condition but you say it has been stored in your garage for years and if it has been exposed to moisture then it may not be in excellent condition. Hopefully the drawers are sliding properly and close correctly as these are usually the first things affected by moisture.
If you wish to sell your table I do not think you should mention that it has been stored in your garage.

I am a great believer in free online appraisals as you can usually find out so many things from these sites and some are free but it's always best to contact several so you receive the most information.
Should you decide to ask for an appraisal you should clean up your piece as best you can and take a minimum of 6 pictures with an uncluttered background if possible.
Full front, close up of top condition, side showing drop and hinges, harp/lyre, full back, underside and marks.
Also give full measurements, opened and closed and height.
Provide any information you have about provenance and state your present location.
Ask for insurance and retail value and any information on where would be a suitable place to take your table for auction (within driving distance if possible).

www.whatsellsbest.com/.../antiques.html

www.antique-shop.com/.../index.php?board=2.0

If you do this you will have all the information (and pictures) needed to list your table for sale.
I agree that taking it to a large auction house may be best but most people do not live within driving distance of an auction where this table would be sought after.
No matter where you post your listing it will probably be best to have it listed as local pick up only.
I believe your table will show up as more valuable than is being sited but value will depend on condition and location.

Here is a link that you can ask questions about your table.

www.furniturecityhistory.org/contact

www.furnituredetective.com/contact_us.php

Here are links to interesting fact about the Imperial Furniture Company.

www.seattletimes.com/.../

www.furniturecityhistory.org/.../imperial-furniture-co

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November 10, 2021

I acquired this table from my Granni who recently passed, and I can't seem to find much info about it online, so I appreciate any help identifying/determining value! This table measures just over 2' tall and wide, is marked "Imperial-Grand Rapids Mich," and has a "1940" stamp underneath. It is hexagonal, and the two side flaps open up for storage. A hexagonal table with two drawers.

 

I'm thinking because it has the two front drawers, the side flaps and the little organizer tray that it might be some sort of sewing table, but any additional information about the year, purpose, value, etc. is GREATLY appreciated!


Thank you so much!

Also-I apologize for the mess in the pictures, I'm in the middle of moving! ;)

The opening on the side of the table.
 
Measuring the table from end to end.
 
A manufacturer's mark on the inside of a drawer.
 
A number on the back of the table.
 
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