Expert: Anderson's Restorations-Rob Anderson - 6/21/2008

Question
Mother just passed away--left mint-condition mohogany black lacquer John Widdicomb dining table w 6 chairs, probably 1950's T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, also a Lotus Coffee Table and two matching end tables--also same designer & company along with a two-piece sectional sofa--same designer & company.  Any advice--sell or keep?

Answer
Sorry for your loss.
 I faced the same thing with the loss of my parents and I must say it's a hard question to answer.
 If you have space for the items and they would fit your style and you belive you would enjoy having them in your home, I would keep them. If they don't fit your style or your going to have to MAKE room for them, selling might be best. Over the last 30+ years I've seen people keep thing they really don't need and then try to make them fit their style by painting and in some cases, even modifing them and thereby destroying their value or put them into a family room where they might not receive the treatment necessary to keep them in mint condition. You can't store fine items in a damp basement or hot attic and have a good end result down the road.
 They sound like some very fine items and I would have to think long before making a decision.
Fell free to ask any follow-up questions and good luck with your decision.
  Rob
www.andersonsrestorations.com