Eastlake dresser

[kathyv43]

Hello guys. I am guessing that this is an Eastlake piece. Also, guessing the drawer pulls are not original and that it was built maybe around 1880. I am thinking of buying it and wonder if you guys had any info and guess at value? Thanks.

[mart]

Your guess is correct,,1880 or 1890 or there about !!  You didn`t say what the condition is ?  What are they asking for the dresser ??  Eastlake is not one of the most popular styles and values run low !!

[kathyv43]

It's posted on an online yard sale, so I've only seen the pics of it, all are almost the same as the one I posted...so, not sure of the condition. She said make an offer, but I have a feeling she thinks it's worth a good bit. I think whoever she originally bought it from told her it had appraised for a lot. I thought it may be worth $450-$500. I would not pay her that much though. I would offer her $300-$325. Do you think that's in line with what it's worth? The drawer knobs are not original to the dresser, are they?

[ghopper1924]

Hi kathyv43:

This is not Eastlake, but Renaissance Revival. I would say that it would date to ca. 1860-1870 or so. I would also say that the pulls are original because they're so well matched.

Sadly, this "brown furniture" has fallen on hard times. Sad for her, good for you. I see dressers like this one - very attractive, by the way - at auctions going for $200 these days. If she can get you to pay $300, then she's lucky. If she thinks its worth more than that, then she'll be living with that dresser for a long time to come.

I don't know where you are, but here in the U.S. midwest if you don't buy that dresser, another will come along very soon. I see them fairly frequently on Craigslist. The've lost alot of value in the past 10 years, so unless you're in love with this piece I'd offer her $200 and then go up if she wants to bargain. If not, check out the regular auctions in your area that carry good quality Victorian stuff. You'll find another one - I guarantee it - and it may very well be better than this one.

[mart]

You think its RR Ghopper ?/  I did not see anything that gave me that impression !!  Its pretty bare for that and a little plain !!

[ghopper1924]

You're right, it is rather plain, almost vernacular. But the picture frame trim on the drawers is a good indicator of age; it was very common in the 1860s and 70s.

In fact, now that I think on it, I'm sorry to say that I've actually seen dressers like this going at auction for $100 to $150.  Tragic is the word for it. TRAGIC! That's less than the sawdust crap you can buy at your local chain, which will last 5-10 years and fall apart. Look how far this dresser has come! 150 years old and still a (somewhat plain) beauty! 

Sometimes I want to tear my hair out at the stupidity of modern culture.

[kathyv43]

Ok, you guys know a lot better than I do. I think I was going by the wishbone mirror. I thought they were from the late 1800s.

[ghopper1924]

Here's one in Kansas City. No date, but I don't think I'm far off with 1860s-70s:

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/atq/d/antique-walnut-drop-top/6621086233.html

[mart]

No matter the style like Ghopper said brown furniture has been in the tank recently !!  I would offer $200. but make sure that the condition is really good !!  Check all the drawers and joints to make sure they are tight !!  If it needs work offer less !!  If they are smart they will take it !!

[jacon4]

This is not Eastlake, but Renaissance Revival

Yeah, agrees, unfortunately, as others have said value is minimal these days, often the lumber value alone is worth more than the furniture

[kathyv43]

Well, someone offered her $300 and she finally stated that she wanted $1,700 for it. She said the guy she bought it from said it was worth up to $2,400. A lot of people laughed at her price, so she took her listing down. Lol

[jacon4]

 so she took her listing down. Lol

LOL, Yeah, i don't doubt it, 300 is a stretch and she was foolish to not accept that offer.

[ghopper1924]

Well, someone offered her $300 and she finally stated that she wanted $1,700 for it. She said the guy she bought it from said it was worth up to $2,400. A lot of people laughed at her price, so she took her listing down. Lol

  That is SO FUNNY!

Another one will come along, I guarantee it.  Maybe the next person will be living in 2018 as well, and will accept a realistic offer.

It's strange that it's almost a universal human trait that people think just because something belongs to THEM, then it's automatically worth top dollar. And then some, in this case.

[jacon4]

My experience in dealing with sellers of old furniture is, those that insist on getting the very last dollar of profit are not very successful and their inventory hangs around for YEARS! and those that try to make a reasonable deal are much more successful because their goal is to move product in the back door and out the front door ASAP!
That is not to say the dresser isn't worth more than $300, it is, geeez the lumber value alone is more than that! But the reality today is, it ain't worth more than $300. in the marketplace which is ALL that counts.

[kathyv43]

I always tell people...it's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. I am not bothered that I didn't get it. It's funny that she believed it was worth that much just because the guy selling it to her said so. Even i knew it wasn't worth near the price she wanted. I think it's hilarious that she took the post down.