Expert: Christina A. Rallo, Esq. - 6/15/2006

Question
I have a dining room table with 3 leaves, 6 chairs, a buffet and a china cabinet with a bird and flower design painted on the door. It was my grandparents and purchased in the 30's. We need to sell it and have no idea what it is worth. It is good condition with some wear. The wood is dark and heavy with detail. The drawers have a metal stamp inside with Berkey & Gay imprinted. Can you tell me how to get an honest appraisel? Would it help to send you pictures?
thanks for any advice you can provide.
Cathy

Answer
Please visit
http://www.antiquefurniture.us/berkey_gay_furniture.html

This auction house seems to have a good deal of expertise with Berkey & Gay furniture and can probably provide an appraisal with accuracy based upon actual realized sales over the years. They will probably charge for this unless you are planning to sell the set through their auction house. You will note on the web page that there is a colectors book available on furniture by this manufacturer if you like.

You can also see information at the Grand Rapids Museum at
http://www.grmuseum.org/exhibits/furniture_city/furniture_history.shtml