Cabinet...

[hosman321]

I'm thinking about making an offer on his cabinet today and I was curious what you all think. Does it appear to be from the 1820's or could it be a 1920's repro? I did look at the method of construction and it looks 1820's but just thought I'd ask you guys. Also, with shipping being $75, what do you think is a fair offer for it? Thanks!
http://cgi.ebay.com/BEST-c1820s-LIFT-TOP-COMMODE-CABINET-EARLY-ORIG-PAINT-/270660831933?pt=Folk_Art&hash=item3f04a48abd

[waywardangler]

OK, I am not much on furniture styles but for what it is worth, it is not from the 1920s.  Those side boards are 1 board wide (about 15").  That is probably virgin timber.  The dovetails are handcut and wide.  I love the mustard paint inside!  I wish the whole thing was mustard paint.  Is the outside finish original or don't you care?  A regular, common oak commode from the 1920s goes for around that price around here (Midwest).  I guess I would offer $375 shipped.  What is the worse the seller can say...no?  JMO.

[hosman321]

Well, I offered $250.00 for it. I'm sure they'll come back with a counteroffer but hey....it's worth a shot. I've been surprised before.
I'd love to have something that old, the price is pretty good even at full price.  I'll let you all know what happens. I wish it still had the mustard paint, too. But I guess I'd be happy with any finish!

[talesofthesevenseas]

Nice! Love the legs!

[Oceans64]

I love the legs too and would like to know the style name and time frame.  I was trying to figure out where I had seen them before and it was in Marcy's FIL's bookcase

http://www.antique-shop.com/forums/index.php?topic=7824.15

[hosman321]

I remembered Marcy's post, too. That's why I was thinkin' 1920's and wanted to make sure it wasn't a later repro. I normally don't like that leg style but I do like the primitive look of this one.

[talesofthesevenseas]

Would look great with an enamel basin sitting on it, wouldn't it Hosman? 

[hosman321]

Yes, it would! Or maybe a piece of cobalt glass.

[hosman321]

While I'm thinking about it, thought I'd ask about this one too. I want to make an offer on it but the 2 screws are just killing it for me. They make me nervous. I could see one being replaced, but both? Similar items from this time period go for at least $300, usually more. I suspect this one is so inexpensive because of those two screws. What do you all think? I want it badly, but not if it is a reproduction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310272242615&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

[Oceans64]

What is the difference between wrought iron and cast iron?  I was at the auction at Pac Gallary a few weeks ago.  A pair of cast iron candlestick holders (described as devil in the catalog) sold for close to $300 and the bidding was spirited...  It could have been more $$ as my memory is poor and I didn't write it down but I remember I was    Never saw them up close but they were on the smaller side (less than 10").  

So I'm no help, just giving you perspective     Altho...  I would want to know what makes them think it's 18C. That's kinda gutsy to just throw out there for no good reason....

[talesofthesevenseas]

Wrought iron has been "wrought" or worked, cast iron has been poured into a mold. I'm not sure about the 18th century date either, it would probably be one of those things you would have to see in person to get a feel for.

[hosman321]

Yeah tales, I would have to see it. It's the correct style for the period and looks to have a good patina. I just think that patina can be faked too easily on iron. I was going to offer $90-$100. I have to ask myself that burning question, "Would I pay that kind of money for a brand new reproduction?" Just in case it is new, ya know?

[waywardangler]

I do not know anything about wrought iron objects but I do not like their return policy...

"We guarantee each item we sell for authenticity and condition, as represented in our descriptions and photographs for a period of 30 days after the date of purchase.
Returns: We offer a seven-day return privilege. All returns must be announced within 7 days (upon receipt of item) and must be made in compliance with our return policies (listed below). Items being returned must be packed and shipped in the original packaging and box."... "However, If the item’s condition is as it was represented in the listing, but you are not happy with your purchase for whatever reason, we’ll be able to refund the purchase price (but not the shipping/packing costs) less a 20% restocking fee as long as you let us know within seven-days upon receipt of the item."    So their guarantee is really only for 7 days and they still get to keep 20%?  What happened to the 30 days and authenticity guarantee?  After you receive it and find out it is not 18th C, they still keep 20% and you pay return shipping to boot?!  I would not buy from this seller no matter what.  JMO.

[hosman321]

I was completely confused by their policy too, wayward. I'm not understanding what they are trying to say. They do have a 100 percent though, but I should go read through what people have been saying. If it were truly that old, I'd pay full price for it. I just have no way of knowing.

[waywardangler]

Here is what they are saying...Buy this for $144.99 plus $25 shipping and if you do not like it, notify us within 7 days of receipt and we will refund you $115.99 after you pay return shipping in same box and packing.  So for about $79 [$29 (20%) plus $25 orig shpg plus $25 return shpg] you would have the pleasure of buying it and then returning it if you do not like it.  That is not a great guarantee in my view.

After looking at their store, I now see where their policies were formulated...years of rubbing elbows with Sotheby's.

By the way, what happened with the original commode?  Did the seller counter or accept your offer?