Value of an Antique Writing Table?

Judy
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January 24, 20190 found this helpful

You need to know who manufactured it. Look on the bottom for markings. Once you know that, you will be able to determine age and value.

Pghgirl40
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January 24, 20190 found this helpful

You have a stunning piece and I believe it is quite valuable.

It looks very much like this 1800s desk that sold in the UK:

www.sellingantiques.co.uk/.../

Perhaps you can contact this company via email or if you are in the UK via phone and have them look at it and perhaps sell it for you.

The match is not exact, but in very old pieces like this you may never find an EXACT because 1. they are rare 2. previous owners sometimes made their own modifications to them. For example, I think the blue leather is not original (which may or may not lower the value).

Selling a piece this valuable on your own will be a challenge as most people don't want to pay an "average joe or jane" a large amount of cash for a piece, but they are when there is a dealer backing it.

Your desk is amazing!! I have always wanted to see one like it in person.

If you want to do your own research first, these are often referred to as kidney shaped women's writing desks.

Please post back what you learn and how it sells. I am thinking at auction through a dealer you will fetch a nice tidy sum!!!

cybergrannie
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January 28, 20190 found this helpful

Beautiful desk...
I believe you will have to have this appraised by an very experienced appraiser to find out the true current value.
You do not say if you plan to sell but selling it for its true value may take some time as furniture - even nice pieces - are usually slow sellers.

• Here is a similar desk that is listed (in the UK where this type of furniture is very popular) so you might want to keep check on this one to see if it sells.
• www.sellingantiques.co.uk/.../
• An "in person" appraisal will probably be expensive but there are some very good sites that offer free appraisals and also offer some advice on where or how to go about selling your piece.
• For the best information, you will need several good pictures; showing the front (full front) and ones with the desk opened and also closed, close up of top, sides and also the back.
• You should also have measurements and supply any information you have on the age, where it came from, any names of cities/countries the past owners may have been. All of this is not necessary but all information helps.
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• This is some trouble but this is a valuable piece and you should try to find out its true value whether you wish to keep it or sell it.
• The appraisers will give you insurance value but you can ask for resale value also.
• www.whatsellsbest.com/.../antiques.html
• Barneby's also gives appraisals but they charge $17 but they supply a lot of very good information.
• www.barnebys.com/.../
• I believe you will be very happy with the information these appraisers supply. You should send information to several sites.