How to determine what type of furniture is in my parent's home ... and how to price/appraise it ...?

Question

My parent's bought beautiful furniture when they moved in to their first (and only) home in the mid 50s.  I believe it is mahogany, but unsure how to tell.  I have searched and searched and come up with either Chippendale or Queen Anne ...

How do I go about getting someone to come in and appraise the furniture for us to sell it (and not have an appraiser give us an unfair price thinking he/she may buy it).  I'm not kidding you ... this furniture is over 60 years old and really looks brand new.  

There is a dining room suite with a table with two or three leaves, four side chairs and two arm chairs along with a buffet, server/sideboard, and china cabinet.  There is a bedroom suite with a tall boy, long dresser, full bed with headboard and footboard and a night stand.

Where do I go to find out what kind of furniture this might be and how to get a fair price/appraisal?

Bradd · Accepted Answer

Before getting someone to appraise your parents furniture for you, first things first. You have to know the current prices of furniture these days. That's because a 60 year old furniture may cost a high value or simply will become cheaper than the new furniture these days depending on what you know about the today's price of furniture. Have a lot of reference on where you can compare the prices of new ones to your parents 60 year old furniture.

una · Answer

Don't let them know you want an appraisal because you want to sell it. IF they ask say its for insurance purposes or something. Also, get several opinions and be aware that the "worth" of the furniture may be more than what it actually sells for.

Another way would be to go to the library or bookstore and look up some books on antique furniture. That will give you some idea of what to look for and help you be able to ask the right questions of the appraiser.

Anonymous · Answer

My Mum and Dad are both 'rested'. But I would let my guy meet my family anyday. They'd probably have a fit because I'm divorced (was still married when they were alive) and now I'm dating a guy thats 11 years younger than me...thye'd probably turn in their 'resting place'. Victorian type attitude.

How to determine what type of furniture is in my parent's home ... and how to price/appraise it ...?

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