Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/19/2007

Question
Eileen:
This is not a request for an appraisal. I am the manager of The Salvation Army Oshawa (ON) Thrift Store.
Someone donated a complete Walnut Spiesz dining room set including the hutch and buffet, the table and six chairs with burgundy leather seats. One of the chairs is a captain's chair.
It is in mint condition and I would like to auction it for our community ministry programs. However, I have not been able to find any info on Spiesz, comparable sets, nothing on ebay or any other site.
Could you direct me to a web-site or give me some idea of an acceptable starting price for the complete set would be.  With The Salvation Army's Christmas campaigns beginning I would like to fetch as much as I can for this furniture.
Thank you in advance if you can direct me someplace or ballpark a reasonable starting point.  If this request is classified as a "request for appraisal" I will understand if you can't help me and I apologize.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Vicki Wagar

Answer
Hi Again Vicki
Just got an email from another expert on our site regarding the Spiesz furniture Co.
Here is Fred Taylors letter which I thank him for.

Eileen - I saw your question about Spiesz Furniture. Spiesz was located in Hanover, Ontario from 1909 to 1956 when it was taken over by Knechtal I believe. It eventually closed in 1965. Here is a page with some info. Scroll down to the "Hanover" section.
http://www.greyroots.com/media/finding-aids/Furniture%20Industry%20Essential%20D...

As you will note, the company closed in 1965.
So we can be assured this set was made before 1965.
Thats 45 years old at least, and who knows maybe older.
If the set was made in the early 1900"s, that would certainly increase the value.
Vicki, you really need to get someone to look at this set before setting a starting bid.
I feel you will do better on the sale if you can supply all the info on the approximate age, and if its solid walnut or not.
Bet Fred would like to see a picture too.
Good Luck
Eileen




Hi Vicki
Nice to hear from you.
And of course I will help you with this.
Like you I could find nothing about this Spiesz company so lets forget that route.
The key with this furniture or any furniture we sell is "condition". Thats everything.
This set fortunately is mint...how good is that? LOL
Doesn't get any better. And walnut too...it does gets better.
So first I would go to any high end furniture store just for a look at the current prices for a complete walnut dining set...you will be shocked I'll bet, and thats new stuff.
We do not know how old this set is, which is too bad, but I'll bet there is someone in the community who could ball park the age.
Also someone to verify that it is actually walnut, or did you find walnut stamped on the back?
In most cases, the walnut stamped on the back means the color, not the wood.
So heres my thoughts..if you can verify the set is solid walnut, start at ...hmmm...I'm going to say $2500.00.
I feel this would be about half what a solid walnut dining set would cost new here in Canada...could be more as its been a while since I have shopped for one LOL, but get to that store and check.
If the set proves not to be walnut, I would start at $1000.00 providing its good quality furniture which it sounds like.
Sure wish I could see a picture.
Good Luck and a great question.
Regards
Eileen