Suspected Maison Jansen Bar Cart

[jacon4]

One thing about 1stdibs, their list prices are way out of line in today's world, I'd bet that much of the product there is negotiated down. Having said that, they do offer some very nice examples though in many collecting categories.

[mart]

I thought that was just the shipping from Long Island, NY where the seller was located !!

[KC]

jacon4, I totally agree that 1stdibs pricing is "pricey"!

Mart, shipping is from France.  See that often for some sellers on several "high dollar" sites.  They have a connection in other countries and don't pay to have the item shipped here unless it is already sold.  Thus no money loss/storage/etc.

Michael.Conor - your cart has the much desired wheel style on it.  Are the wheels one piece and brass (would be heavier than other metal)?  Have seen some wheels over the years that were assembled pieces whereas the older pieces were molded.

[Michael.Conor]

 Hey KC. Yes it's all one piece. I imagine the entirety of the cart is brass as I attempted to place a magnet to it and it did not stick  (tried this on pretty much every part of the cart). I was told that it's a good sign if the magnet is not attracted as it indicates that it's not simply a brass finish over a cheaper metal such as steel. The cart looks unassuming but it is indeed weighty. I was quite surprised when I picked it up for the first time.

I emailed the dealer at 1stdibs directly and they indicated in an email that the cart did not sell for less than 10 percent of the list price. They could've lied to me but who knows. At the end of the day these pieces are difficult to price and come down to the market you have available. For my purposes I was looking to learn more about the piece and see if it might be worth more than the 280 dollars I paid for it.

[mart]

Well,, if thats what you paid for it,, you got a deal !!  I was thinking in todays market,, $900. to $1200. !!  You got a good buy !!

[Michael.Conor]

Thanks Mart for your insight. And I'm very pleased overall. Initially I was looking at bar carts from sites like wayfair and most of their pieces were not my taste and almost double what I paid for my brass cart. I consider myself fortunate to have got it. Really classy.

[KC]

I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU GOT THAT CART FOR $280!!!!!!!!!!!!

Several years back I had wanted one since I have quite a few French pieces and just didn't want to fork out the price they were demanding even then.  If I had found this for that price I would have grabbed it! 

[mart]

KC,,,Forgot that you do have/collect French pieces !!  This would have been right up your alley !!

[Michael.Conor]

I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU GOT THAT CART FOR $280!!!!!!!!!!!!

Several years back I had wanted one since I have quite a few French pieces and just didn't want to fork out the price they were demanding even then.  If I had found this for that price I would have grabbed it!

Haha yeah! It was a really lucky find. We just put it into my girlfriend's place and it looks amazing. I actually talked the original owner down from 350. I was wondering if the forum had any advice on brass maintenance. From what I've read online often times you don't even want to touch it because removing finish can plummet any potential value of the piece. What about areas of oxidization or tarnish? Should I just clean it with hot soapy water and leave it at that?

[mart]

Just a damp cloth to remove any dust/dirt and good buffing afterward to dry and shine !! It should have a sealer on it that prevents tarnish !!

[KC]

Ditto what Mart said!