Findit, thank you for your response.
Here's what ended up happening ... I took the long drive and went to look at the sofa and chair in person, and fell in love! Both frames are solid carved walnut with cabriolet legs, completely free of rot and woodworm damage. Both are covered in heavy cotton ulpohlstery that's in wonderful shape, though not the original upohlstery. The frames alone would have made the pieces worth the purchase price. They are supposed to date from the mid to late 19th century and are amazingly solid. I forgot that there once was a time when furniture wasn't considered a "disposable".
Anyway, I ended up paying $800 for both pieces. I don't know if I got a bargain, or was taken to the cleaners, but upon reflection I decided that the 2 pieces were definately worth $800 to me. Where else am I going to find solid wood frame furniture at that price anymore. Though they are a bit more ornate then I normally prefer, they are beautiful and at the very least give me a fun story to tell about antique hunting in Europe.
Thanks again,
Nikki
