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!
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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.
This table is fairly close to your table, to give you an idea of the current selling price:
www.ebay.com/
You have a gentleman's smoking table with newspaper/magazine rack. The barley twist legs may make it more valuable, although it is missing the ash tray, which will devalue it. I am trying to locate a photo of it in its original form, but haven't found one yet.
The Grand Rapids brand is probably a middle of the line type in the US but they made nice furniture.
I see that you have your table listed for sale on eBay, UK.
GBP 30.00 auction or buy it now for GBP $150 ($205) US dollars.
PGHgirl is correct in her description of this table so it may be a good idea for you to make corrections to your description.
How will you feel if you only receive one bid at $30?
Shipping is always high for furniture. Is it possible for you to also have 'free pick up' in your listing?
Thanks for your reply, its interesting to hear about it.
Im now debating whether to sell it
If you love it, hold on to it and enjoy it! If you don't love it or could use the money, sell. It is not going to appreciate a whole lot if you hold on to it...at least probably not in your life time. Maybe in 50-60 years it will appreciate if well preserved.
It is important that if you do sell it, you advertise it so that you get the most exposure, using key words like Gentleman's smoking table and magazine rack and the wood type or color--which looks like a mahogany stain--not sure if that is the actual wood or if it is a veneer. Then talk about the size, condition and brand.
Be sure to mention that you don't have the original ash trays and the condition.
There is very little furniture that will make you rich in the resale market, but you may be able to realize a small windfall selling it to the right person.
If you have an auction house nearby that has the ability to ship via freight, you could see if they would sell it for you. A real auction house (NOT eBay) will get collector's eyes on it. This is a collector type piece--someone that really would appreciate it for the history.
It is a US piece--Imperial is a well known US brand--so if an auction housed had a way to get it here, you may realize more money--but it would increase the shipping costs. They can give you all of those numbers.
Post back what you decide!
I only made the remark about 'how would you feel if your only bid is $30?' because this could very easily happen and under eBay's rule you have to let it go for that amount or you will be 'black-listed' by eBay. No matter what anyone tells you, eBay does keep a record of everything that happens on your ID and I've been 'told' that with 2 serious infractions (this would be one) they close your account and that is forever not just a short period of time.
I would say to change the opening bid to the lowest amount of money you will accept for your table and if it does not sell after a few weeks then lower the price before listing it again.
I did notice that you do not have 'best offer' on your listing but sometimes this can be a good move because it is still your choice to accept or reject an offer.
Good luck with your sale.
Ive contacted a few auction places here and they dont think its of much value here. Probably about £50 to £70 is the right price.
When I was given the table my wife was going to paint it and I was going to take it to the tip, so £50 will be fine.
Good.
Someone may get a nice table for cheap.
Good luck
That is great to know the value where you are! Thanks so much for posting back! Blessings!!
I dont think this is an expensive piece of furniture. The sliding piece underneath is for reading material, I think.
I assume you're referring to the pull out cup holder? :-) This is so cool! I noticed as well that the shelf is Victorian-style shape for holding books, so I'm going to guess the pull out was indeed to separate the risk of liquid (drink? ink jar? wet umbrella?) from spoiling papers or books.
Here's a similar one on etsy's webpage for sale:
www.etsy.com/
I too have one of these tables. Does anyone know what kind of ashtray went in there? Glass? Metal? Thanks
I think the sliding piece is for an ash tray. I have a humidor made by them which was my Grand-Father's has a very similar slide out piece for an ash tray.
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