Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/4/2008

Question
Hi,
I am wondering about farm (rustic, antique) tables.  I see them varying *wildly* in price, and I was wondering what makes them more or less valuable?

I bought one recently (in North Carolina), for about $140, and I am not sure whether I got a good or bad deal.  As I would like to buy another in the future, I'd like to be savvy.

Mine is painted on the bottom, a light sea blue/green, with a natural oak top (wax finish, I think).  There are holes (drill holes--it was used as a work table) in many places on the table, and there is a drawer.  

Thank you very much,
Margo

Answer
Hi Margo
Nice to hear from you.
You are so right about this rustic type of furniture.
Heres what I see at auction up here in Canada.
First off the more rustic the look the higher the bids go.
And if its a pine table they go even higher.
Margo your table sounds in fairly good condition.
I actually see old tables dragged out of hen pens, hosed off and sold for big dollars. Its ridiculous I feel.
But here are a few things to watch for when buying.
The wider the boards on the top are, the more a table will cost at auction or in an antique shop. Eighteen inch boards are not uncommon.
Look at the table legs closely.
If its a hand made table the legs will likely not be symmetrical.
Turned legs will show (often significant) differences in the turnings and this is to be desired.
And if a table has its original finish (even if there is little left of it, thats the biggest bonus of all.)
If you purchased an old oak table for $140.00 and you are happy with it, I feel you did well.
I know I'll think of more after I sign off, but thats the things that come to mind now.
Good Luck in all your purchases.
Kind Regards
Eileen