Expert: Eileen Cronk - 7/22/2007

Question
Hello, and thanks SO much for being available to help us poor folks figure out what we have and what to do with it :-).

I have recently inherited an item I can only describe as a vanity or dressing table, and it`s got a saginaw furniture co logo on the inside of one drawer. It`s about 6 feet tall and maybe 4 feet wide. The center is a mirror, and at the sides of the mirror are two mirror segments that fold forward on hinges. There are three drawers per side, and a small shelf at the base of the mirror, between the drawers. Just wondering if you could tell me what this piece is called and when it may have been made so I can track down what it may be worth (It`s not damaged at all, but certainly needs a facelift).
Thank you,
Jeff bice

Answer
Hi Jeff
Nice to hear from you.
Can tell you only that this is what you think.
A vanity or dressing table.
From what I could find on line, the company closed in the 60's after about 60 years in operation.
I often see these lovely old pieces at auction, and most I see are from the 1940's.
Not saying yours is though.
If possible, remove the back from the mirrors. One of them should have a date of manufacture stamped on it.
That way no one is guessing.
Jeff these are certainly not valuable antiques by any stretch, but I know personally that young girls today love them. I have 4 grandaughters two of them have them, two of them want them.
Both vanities were lovingly refinished by Grama. One was a gift, and the other I paid $125.00 for at auction.
Both came with matching stools.
And I think what I paid is a good estimate of value here in Canada.
Hope this helps
Great question
Regards Eileen