Aboutrobert klein Expertise In regards to antique, vintage and collectible furniture I can help with wood identification, styles, age, and periods. As with all things, looking at pictures is not as good as actually handling the object. I am a qualified to answer questions about repair, restoration, refinishing, finishes, coatings, stains, historical coatings and materials.
SEND PICTURES WITH YOUR QUESTIONS OR THE QUESTION WILL LIKELY BE REJECTED.
Experience I have been in the antiques furniture and restoration business for 40 years and have continued my education in the trade by attending workshops and seminars through the Smithsonian, MESDA, and other organizations.
Organizations Professional Refinishers Groop, Int.
AIC
Education/Credentials BA Florida State University 1970
BA University of West Florida 1971
Past/Present Clients This is a list of people that i know personally across the country that are competent, knowledgeable and skilled refinishers, restorers and conservators.
AL Elberta Jim Cole Antique Works;
AZ Phoenix Hal Resnikoff The Village Woodsmith;
CA Fort Bragg Joe Amaral Wood Finish Services;
CA San Clemente Michele Rosen Michele Rosen Woodfinishing & Conservation;
CT Bridgeport Jim Young Old Gold Furniture Restoration;
GA Atlanta Brian Hillman Hillman's Restoration;
GA Bogart Fred McLean McLean's Refinishing;
GA Atlanta Alan Noel A. Noel Furniture Refinishing;
GA Atlanta Brian Webster Brian Webster;
KS Topeka Dave Macfee Macfee Refinishing;
KS Topeka Ben Myre Macfee Refinishing;
MA West Newbury Bruce Hamilton Bruce Hamilton Antique Restoration;
MA Dedham Robert Judd Judd Refinishing;
MD Monrovia Kevin Hancock Hancock Piano Restorations;
MI Armada Al Venditelli Armada Furniture Services LLC;
MN Bemidji Don MacKinnon MacKinnon Woodworks;
NC Winston Salem Martin O'Brien Martin O'Brien Cabinetmaker;
NY Holbrook Dean Camenares East End Wood Strippers;
NY Brooklyn Emily MacDonald Korth Emily MacDonald-Korth;
NY Latham Mike Mascelli Fine Upholstery;
OR The Dalles Frank Laroque LaRoque's Wood Shop;
SC Charleston Paul Garbarini Heirloom Finishes;
TN Oak Ridge David Reeves Classic Furniture Restorations;
TX Aledo Joe Hornor Little Jack Horner's Furniture Restoration;
TX Houston Fred Woodall Fred Woodall Repair Service;
VA Roanoke Dick Patch Astonish Antique Restoration;
WI Milwaukee Bill Balsiger Artisan Restorations;
I have a circa 1930's china cabinet that has a few labels on
it. One says Grand Rapids Chair Company and there is an
etching in the wood next thats reads 38. The second label
is harder to read but says 739 (dewalt or dowont? Walnut)
with another large 739 underneath it. What exactly is this
piece? Any information regarding its making or history? Is
there anywhere i can find a price guide? Or where can i take
it to get it appraised or sold? It was appraised several
years ago for somewhere from $3000-5000 i cant remember.
Any help on this piece would be much appreciated! Thanks a
bunch!
CJ Peterson
Answer I hate to be the one to tell you this but the appraisal given you was no where close to what this would sell for. There are too many zeros. Today, in a shop this would bring 800-1000 tops and would not sell quickly at that price. At auction it might bring 500-750 if there was someone there that had to have it.
As you suspect this china cabinet was manufactured between 1910-1930 and is in excellent condition, whoever did the refinishing did a good job. Originally it was darker done with a water based walnut stain and was part of a dining set that had a table, chairs, sideboard, possibly a server (miniature sideboard) and your china. If you are wanting to sell it, selling to a dealer is not to your advantage, you must sell to an individual to get the maximum money. The woods are walnut veneer on the panels and sweet gum or tulip poplar for the case.
The Grand Rapids label is great but does not add value, the other numbers are factory numbers and have no meaning or importance to us.
I know that I have disappointed you tremendously and I apologize. Go to some antique malls and shops to see what a similar china sells for remembering that the price shown in a retail is just an asking price.
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