Possible Treasure? European Sofa Set Valuation
 

So I inherited a sofa, loveseat and chair. They came from rural Northern California, from an old lady. She claims that they are from Europe, and very very collectible.

Where did they go? As the leather are ripped, I stacked them in an unused extra bedroom for the last 8 years.

Rewind 3 years:
I was walking inside a mall when I noticed a chair exactly like mine. I went inside and the price tag of the chair alone was over $4,000.00. The store owner talked to me. I told him that I have the exact chair. He said that there were less than 10 sets made.

Now, here is the intriguing part: When I told him that I have the 'complete set' he could not let me go!! He even wanted to come home with me to check the units.


This year, I attempted to visit the guy but I guess he is no longer at the mall.

What is the proper way to get my units appraised? Or be identified as 'fakes'? ;)

And yes, I have searched the web but I could not find a picture of my set.

Early Recaro Sport Sofa set?

Pics? Manufacturer's name?

My wife and I inherited a lot of nice furniture. For insurance purposes we had the pieces appraised.

I"m sure there is an appraiser in your area. It is not cheap...I think we paid $300.00. In our case it was worth it.

By any chance was his name Brian Fellows? (Not that there's anything wrong with that).;)

+1 For hiring a knowledgeable appraiser. You will then know for certain what you have and its value.

Post or PM pics, I work with people who can give a ballpark valuation. What style is the furniture?

I'll post some pic's.

I do not know the manufacturer....trust me, I have searched the web almost forever. I have gone to bookstore for antique references.

All I know is that the wood portion of the pieces are in perfect condition. The leather pieces are cracked from 'old age.'




p.s.,

Have you guys noticed that the Pelican website does not email you when you get responses to your 'subscribed threads?'

Old thread but with the recession, my schedules have been wacked! Anyway,
anyone knows what these are and what they are possibly worth? I know nothing about antiques or fakes.

Please, please, please.....tell me I am rich! heh heh heh :p:p

I can get pics of the chairs if needed.

Thank you very much!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1250383625.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1250383638.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1250383689.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1250383723.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1250383737.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1250383753.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1250383765.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1250383782.jpg

Wow, really cool looking stuff. I wouldn't change/fix anything until you can get someone to look at them. I've seen too many of the "antiques roadshow" episodes where they say "if you hadn't cleaned/fixed X it would be worth $$$$$, but since you did, they are only worth $$.

Find out where the Antiques Roadshow is going and if they'll be anywhere near you.

any markings underneath?

If I lived in a tired old house in Savannah, these would perfect.

But seriously, the quality looks to be very good. Get a good appraisal. Emphasis on "good".

I don't think you are looking at drop dead money here, but you may be looking at 8 or 10 K from someone interested in this period and style.

WilsonTC,

Are you into antiques? They look pretty similar. Are mine walnut also?


Do we have any wood-geek here to find out if mine are also walnut?



Vash,

No markings anywhere.


Dottore,

8K is still drop-dead money to me. :)


For the record, I kept these because I know that the important part (the wood) is perfect: no nicks, no touch-up, etc. I had planned on getting them reupholstered, but I truly believe that they would be perfect to someone who is into the circa/era.

The problem with this kind of thing is that the market is very thin.

The right person will pay top dollar. But the right person can be extremely difficult to find.

So you really need to do your homework.

He's had them three years already so waiting until the economy/market rebounds probably isn't an issue.

One thing to remember is that antique furniture from Europe is a lot more expensive. Most of the real stuff was destroyed during either the first or second world war, so whats left is very pricey. I looked into buying some while I lived there and it was simply way past my budget.

With Craig's and Wilson's help, the term "rococo" has made my life easier. I have been doing a bunch of web searching and, man, prices are all over the places.

I believe I have "rosewood" for the wood. Yes, I think that European units are way way more than American. Now I know why the antique salesman at the mall wanted to drive 90 miles to my house just to check the sofa set.

I do not want to sound like the antique roadshow, but wow, I was not expecting these to fetch over $500.00.

Let us know when we'll see you on Antiques Roadshow. :cool:

Cab,

This sort of thing in Europe (thinking Berlin prices) would be closer to $10,000, if not double or triple that price if in good condition.