Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
We have had this desk sitting in the garage for several years and are wondering if it is worth anything.
This brand of furniture has held its value. It is worth at least $200, and probably more. www.ebay.com/
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!!
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.
www.whatsellsbest.com/
www.antique-shop.com/
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/
www.furnituredetective.com/
Here are links to interesting fact about the Imperial Furniture Company.
www.furniturecityhistory.org/
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. 
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!
Also-I apologize for the mess in the pictures, I'm in the middle of moving! ;)
This is an interesting piece. At first glance I thought it was a standard "Martha Washington" style sewing table, but then I noticed that the sides were sloped which lends itself to a dough proofing box or bread proofing box. I can't find any examples of Imperial making the latter--but I may not have dug deep enough. They made lots of "Martha Washington" style sewing tables--but those the sides were straight up and down....not sloped...and those typically had three drawers.
The logo is one the company used from 1939-1953. I am still combing through my resources to find what it is exactly--besides very cute!
www.furniturecityhistory.org/
The 1940 marking is most likely the model number not the year...which is what I hope to track it down by.
Value--no matter what is determined it was originally used for are going to be regional and since it is something too big for most people to try to ship--I always recommend talking to a few vintage shops in your town to see what they would sell it for (retail) and then you can expect to get about half of that if you sell on your own. All furniture sales are regional and supply and demand driven.
Yours has at least one condition issue I see which is the missing knob, so that will devalue slightly.
I will keep digging when I get a chance, but if these tips get you answers before I do, please post back. Thanks for sharing.
I'd like to know general value on this small side table. It's a Imperial Table from Imperial Furniture Co. circa 1920-1917. It has some watermarks but can probably be improved with care.
It's very smooth and in solid condition, no cracks or breaks. Thanks for any help!
It is pretty banged/scratched up but still quite solid. I believe it originally had a glass top insert but it is long gone.
Looking for more info on possible year and value. Thank you
The label says "Exterior Surfaces, All Mahogany, in accordance with Grand Rapids standards". I think your coffee table is from 1940s. It has ribbed double pedestals above splayed feet with decorative brass cap feet. Estimated value $20-50. ancientpoint.com/
Similar tables usually sold for $100-120. www.ebth.com/
I inherited this painted chest. It was made by Imperial in Grand Rapids, MI, I think after 1962. What would be the best manner to correct the damage and condition issues?
Would restoring it affect the value? Thank you.
Generally-speaking, restoration of painted vintage furniture does NOT decrease the value. (Some antiques -- different story.)
It appears from the photo that only the bottom drawer front is damaged. Have you carefully cleaned the entire piece? This will both reveal any other areas of damage as well as the true paint color. Then, you might decide whether it's feasible to gently sand and re-painting all but the flower on that bottom drawer.
Here is a recommended cleaning solution (try on an inconspicuous small spot on that bottom drawer first if possible): "dip a clean soft cloth into a mixture of one teaspoon of borax, two tablespoons of vinegar, 1/4 cup of blue Dawn detergent, and 1½ cups hot water. Wring the cloth out until its almost dry and rub the surface using a very gentle circular motion."
Of course, if you have the money and are disinclined to DIY, taking this to a professional would be advisable. Good luck! It's a pretty piece!
Looking for info and value of this item, was in my grandmothers home for many years pre 1960. In good condition, no changes made, has a center shelf inside.
Marked 1610 above label and HUMA - 20 at boom. Thanks.
Seeking an estimated value and wood type of this two tier end/side table 32 x32 inches. It's 26 inches high to top of second tier, 16 inches high for bottom tier. It's made by Imperial Furniture of Grand Rapids, MI. It was purchased in 50s or early 60s. I believe it's walnut or maple wood, please confirm wood type if you can. I checked around on various sites and couldn't locate one like this. So any help would be much appreciated. Thanks L
You have a Corner Table made by Imperial Furniture Co., Grand Rapids.
Model number 3384.
Imperial Furniture Company was founded in 1903 by F. Stuart Foote. Foote began working at his father's company, Grand Rapids Chair Co. and branched out to found Imperial. The company's products were mostly tables but they later added case pieces. www.incollect.com/
After Foote's death, Bergsma Bros. acquired Imperial Furniture in 1954 or 1955 (depending on the source). One reference says that Bergsma Bros. operated the manufacturing facility until 1983, another says it closed in 1962.
Your table is from the 1940s or early 1950s.
French Provincial Style.
I found an identical table with model number 3384:
Mid Century Modern Imperial Large Corner Table Made In Grand Rapids in good used condition, measures 31.75" w x 31.75" d x 37" h
www.auctionninja.com/
The identical table with model number 3384 was sold for $52.
Small tables are easier to sell, but still the price also depends on the demand in your area.
Does this have any value? I was about to paint it for my daughter's bedside table but just wanted to make sure before doing so. Thank you.
I think you have Country French Provincial End Table made by Imperial Furniture Grand Rapids. I found Imperial Furniture Grand Rapids Storage End Table with similar maker's mark (metal plate) and similar drawer handles and style.
This Imperial's trademark was used after 1956. In 1954, the company was sold to Bergsma Brothers Co.
www.furniturecityhistory.org/
A pair of vintage similar 2-Drawer End Tables by Imperial-Grand Rapids Mi. 28.5" L x 21.5" D x 21" H was sold for $20 (pair):
uhurufurniture.blogspot.com/
There is free trial to see what this pair of Imperial end tables worth
www.worthpoint.com/
The price depends on the demand in your area.
If you are thinking of selling, you have to check your local antique shops to see what yours or one like it would sell for or has sold for. This will typically sell higher in an antique shop or private sale compared to an auction. You can sell on Etsy, Ebay, Rubylane, Amazon MarketPlace, ArtFire.
Curious on the value of this Imperial table.
This is a mahogany 1928 to 1938 Imperial Tables Co of Michigan Demi Lune table.
Demi Lune tables are sometimes referred to as half-moon console tables, appropriately getting their name from the French term for half-moon.
The price is about $200, but the price depends on the demand in your area. For example an Imperial Mahogany Demi-Lune Table was sold for $30, estimated price was $150-300 www.liveauctioneers.com/
I asked about this pie table with lots of photos but can't find any response. I know this is a pie table by Imperial.
I'm not able to find the year of the green shield with a crown. 3 legs does not tilt
Do you have the solid mahogany logo on it also?
This is the guide I use for dating Imperial pieces by logo, however your logo doesn't match any of them:www.furniturecityhistory.org/
It matches this one in this post which says 1936 to mid 1950s:
www.justanswer.com/
I found a sketch of your table in a 1945 newspaper--same claw legs and same decorations and shape. I feel that is the year. The photo blurs when I try to screen print it. If you have a subscription to newspaper.com if you put in Imperial Pie Crust Table and 1945 it should come right up.
I have two Imperial end tables with glass on top, what can you tell me about these?
Imperial Furniture has kept its value. I dont see this exact piece, but tables are going for $100 and much more on this website. vatican.com/
I'm wondering the value of this tea cart.
I found one that was sold back in 2017 and the buyer paid $199 for the same tea cart you have pictured here. I have found quite a few of these listed over the years and it appears that a few people are trying to sell them. I did find another one that had been sold but you need to pay and register for this site in order to find out how much this was actually sold for. The person who did sell one back in 2017 listed it as local pick up only and did not ship this off to the buyer. As far as I can tell the value of this item is right around $200. The reason I say this is because the value of an item is the price that a person is willing to pay for such an item.
I bought this little cabinet from an auction and I'm curious about the value and the year. I'm having trouble finding info because Imperial Furniture in Grand Rapids, usually made tables.
Any info would help greatly appreciated!
Here are a couple of links to help you use the logo and date the piece.
www.collectorsweekly.com/
As for value, what you paid for it is the current market value because value is only what someone will pay and since you bought it, you set the market value for your town on the day you bought it. I do not want that to sound flip or impertinent...it is just a fact in the resale world and I have been in that world for over 50 years.
If you want to flip it and make a profit, you can take what you spent, figure out what you want to make as a profit, and determine an asking price.
Furniture values are regional so you can start with that, asking high and then see what offers come in and then you can take the best offer.
There is a lot with the piece I can't see or smell which could lower what you could reasonably ask for it. If the drawers are not clean or are stained that will lower what you can ask. If it has any smells, that will significantly lower what you can ask.
It is a lovely piece!! Post back what you learn and how your sale goes and if someone else set the new value where you are located by purchasing it from you!!
Imperial Furniture made nice pieces but mostly tables.
It looks like your cabinet was made in 1939 and if auctioned in the right place (you do not say how much you paid) it may sell for several hundred dollars.
The problems with selling are many and the location is usually the biggest indicator of 'current value' as each area is different and some people see where an item sold for several hundred dollars and just assume that another item just like that would sell for the same price - but they do not take into account - the area/city the item was sold.
Not sure if you are wanting to know the 'value' because you want to know if you got a bargain or if you plan to resell your piece but whatever - you will have to find what you feel is the value because only a sold item determines value and that is what you paid.
You can look at eBay listings for Imperial Furniture and see what others are asking for their pieces but this will only be beneficial as information and not the value of your piece. You can also place a 'watch' on any item to see if it sells.
www.ebay.com/
Here is a link to sold listings on eBay so you can see that people are still buying this furniture but be sure you notice the pick up location.
www.ebay.com/
All of this is just information and does not give you any true value. You can look at some of the listings and decide what you would like to receive for your cabinet and start the price at that. You can lower it if no one shows an interest.
I would suggest you stay away from eBay (unless you are already a seller) and list it on sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, letgo, offerup, and any other sites you're familiar with.
Offer it as pick up only and list on several sites.
You will need several very good pictures, including open doors and drawers and a good description/measurements.
www.furniturecityhistory.org/
