Adaptive Reuse and Insurance Value

[ghopper1924]

Hey all:

Just got this ca. 1870 music stand, which I've repurposed as a 1/2 bookcase.

Apparently it's been here in the U.S. midwest since it was made. I'm guessing its by Berkey & Gay from Grand Rapids, although there's a chance it's by Herter Bros. or Pottier & Stymus in New York. Can't think of a a lot of other firms that could do marquetry like this.

Anyway, I've looked several times and can't find anything just like it. What do you think for insurance purposes?

THANKS!!

[mart]

What part of the center panels are marquetry and what part just paint ??  I can`t see the lines  from this pic !!  If 75% is marquetry with smaller touches of paint Go $2500. to $3000. for insurance !!  Less for  resale value !!

[ghopper1924]

Only the thin gold lines surrounding the ebonized sections are gilt paint. Otherwise, it's entirely marquetry.

[mart]

Then stay with the above values for insurance !!  As long as it hasn`t been altered or  refiniished ect !!

[ghopper1924]

Neither one. Thanks Mart!!

[KC]

Beautiful piece!!!  I would agree with the price range but tip it closer to $3,000 to $3,500 in value.

Does the top tilt only for music or does it also lay flat to make a table top?  So many were made to be multi-use (music stand, etagere, table)

[ghopper1924]

Good question, KC.

It tilts out on chains, just enough to hold a shief of sheet music.  It was only originally intended for a single (musical) purpose.

But you make a good point: Victorians often used the power of invention and the machine to create multi-purpose objects.

Thanks for the input!!

[KC]

The more I look at your piece, the more I think it is a multipurpose piece.

If the top marquetry panel is on a chain, that means the top of the panel tilts out towards you and a piece of sheet music will not stay on the tilted out panel.  Correct? Have you even tried a sheet of music on it to see if it would stay when tilted backward?  (Just for grins, take a look at this music caddy - they lean out for storage.)  https://www.rubylane.com/item/332834-30444/Victorian-Antique-Walnut-Music-Caddy-Magazine


The reason I am asking - with the chain - it is indicative of a music/magazine caddy.

In the late 1800's a Music Canterbury was a sign of status in the US (originally developed in England).  This is more of a Victorian multi-use music piece.  The wonderful marquetry work only enhances the value/look of this piece as well as the versatility of it.  Wonderful wonderful piece! 

[ghopper1924]

Cool. Since you brought it up, I have ben thinking "canterbury.'

Looks like a music caddy AND a magazine canterbury.

So would you revise your $ estimate?

[mart]

I think between us two we  are about right on value !!  Yours is quite a bit larger and a more varied use than a typical Canterbury !!