I picked these up with the intention of painting. I thought they would be good practice pieces to try different techniques. But before I start throwing paint, I wanted to make sure it wasn't something valuable that I would plummet the value on. I can find zilch on this particular number of Mersman 58-02. Even less when I Google "leather top end table." You would think with the leather top, something would come up but zero. Any help is appreciated before I use them as splatter boards.
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Like you, I can't find an exact match. The condition of the wood finish appears to be a drawback but things going for these are, obviously: they're a pair, they're unusual (Mediterranean?) style for Mersman, they're topped with the leather, and the carving is interesting. They'd likely have to be refinished before a lucrative sale one way or the other, so I endorse experimentation! :-)
I think (personally as a collector of Mersman in particular) and I know this is an older post, that touching these in ANY way is an absolute sin! People that tell you they're worth nothing or even up to $200 (STILL cheap as hell) don't know anything about Mersman or furniture of the era. Let's say, especially because you somehow can't find them, that it's because THEY'RE RARE because in my lifetime of owning, finding, searching I've never once seen these. So IF you touch they will indeed be worth just that... Nothing. They're gorgeous as is.... Post on an ACTUAL local antique site via your Facebook and see what happens first... Unless you already did indeed destroy these precious bastards. Just giving you my opinion as an actual collector. People have a habit of thinking the more retro/whats now called mid century modern tables that look like there's a coat of shilack on them, for example, don't realize that's INDEED the finish..
I don't know what the heck you're talking about because a refinished Mersman is worth nothing.. unless of course you cover up the word Mersman and don't advertise it as such if the plan is to also sell it. No collector or actual antique place will look at a Mersman that's not original.. sooo.... If ya can't find it it's cause no one that has them is even THINKING of selling them and experiment at your own risk and definitely don't tell anyone you committed the ultimate sin to a respectable and now hard to find piece of Mersman.
We had pieces from this series someone asked about last year. Here is the link: www.thriftyfun.com/
I would say yours are in that same price range...so you could ask $100 each and see if you got it.
If you want to paint and keep and enjoy, go for it!!
Mersman pieces are high supply items on the market so the values are not high, like if they were Stickley or some Conant Ball pieces.
Post back what you decide!
There are a few leather top Mersman tables and a few of different brands listed for sale but but I have not found anything exactly like yours and probably will not.
There have been a few leather top tables - other brands - sold on eBay over the past several months but none that even resemble this style. Mersman tables in different styles - harp - two tier w/drawer - two step tables seem to be the most popular and most are not in any 'fancy' style as some people call this style.
Actually, I did not find very many Spanish style tables listed for sale in any brand. This would indicate that it is not a popular style right now. Leather is not always a popular choice (except in very high scale market) as it tends to get discolored easily and may require more attention than regular wood finish.
I did find a nice pair of Mersman tables listed for sale ($225) that may compare with yours if yours were in better condition.
www.ebay.com/
Then you can find where two rather nice leather top tables sold for $11.
route8auctions.com/
Your tables appear to be in rather poor condition (broken leg?) so I'm going to go out on a limb and say that if you can do a good job of repairing and refinishing/painting your tables then you may stand a chance of selling them (pick up only) for several hundred dollars but as is - I, personally, would not put a value on them.
It's strange that we had the same question asked about a very similar leather top table (same style but different numbers - 58-22 & 58-02) a few months ago and most of the answers are about the same as here.
PS. They made this Spanish style from the late 1960s through the early 1980s. Are you sure the top is leather and not simulated slate? Most of the finishes were either Formica or simulated slate. There may have been leather--but I haven't found it in my resources. Just curious!
Definitely leather. That is what is throwing me off. I seen the ones that were similar but they didnt have the leather top but the number was close. So I feel like they were in the same family. Seems like they sold for $399. I will just go ahead and paint and not stress it.
Then again.. don't advertise them as Mersman because that's disrespectful
Do not paint them. They are worth at least $100 each, and they are in good shape.
These tables have been on this site before , with it's unique lines and details, these leather top tables can bring in a average o $125 to $100 each . AS for painting there are a few that paint for there own personal use. With these types of details they would look refreshed. - www.thriftyfun.com/
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