Looking for info on a couple antiques

[Sarah_S]

Hi! I'm new here I stumbled upon this forum while looking for info about my pieces.  I know a little bit about my first piece it's a large oriental ebony lacquer breakfront with mother of pearl inlay. I bought it at an auction in Virginia about 4 or 5 years ago.  I haven't been able to find any information about it's value. I've Google it and have found pieces that were similar in style, but nothing this large.

It appears to be 50 to 60 years old (but I'm not an expert). It's actually two separate pieces, a base and top.  The only markings on it is a large number six on the back of the top section.

These are the measurements:
Height- 79"
Length- 88"
Base width- 19"
Top width- 15"

My second piece I really don't know anything about, I bought it at the same auction as the above piece.  It seems very old in appearance.  It's made of a very dark wood that seems to be very dry from age.  It has dovetail joints on the drawers, and pegs for hinges on the doors.

I'm considering selling both of these pieces, so I'm trying to find a little more info on them and their value.  I have more pictures that I can email as well.

Any information or ideas anyone has would be greatly appreciated!!!

~Sarah

[KC]

Really need some closeups of the second item.  Pics of side of drawers and back.

[ironlord1963]

   Is that top one inlaid Mother of Pearl?   If so Wow, I would love to have some closer up of the Top one.

[sapphire]

I'll have to second ironlord's Wow........with an added Oh, WOW!! Beautiful!!

[Sarah_S]

Oh my goodness!! Sorry guys!! I didn't get an email notice that there were more comments on here, so I didn't see these till just now.   Yes it's mother of pearl in lay.  Here are some more detailed pics: https://picasaweb.google.com/SarahScarbrough/Antiques?authkey=Gv1sRgCOmGwtW89r_8vgE&feat=directlink

[waywardangler]

The second piece looks more Scandinavian to me with the gnome/elf/troll center figure, the sea serpent, and acanthus carvings. A very neat piece.

[Sarah_S]

I haven't been able to find anything like it.  I was going to put it up at auction but was told it would probably only go for around $800.  That seemed a under valued to me considering what I've seen other pieces going for. 

[ironlord1963]

     I have seen many items at auctions that nice go for that and under.   Most auctions are filled with dealers which will only buy at 50% of value most times.   Occasionaly a buyer that is buying a item for themselves will come along and a pay 75% of value.  Auctions don't usually get value, at least local Auction house.  This is and can be a different story at high end auction houses.  The best value is always Brick and mortor type places, but they tend to be slow selling.

[Sarah_S]

Thanks Ironlord1963!  That's good information to know, I'm now thinking the later would be a better idea for me.  Thanks super much for the help!!

[KC]

Do a search for "antique figural buffet sideboard"  and for " antique figural hunting sideboard" and you will see quite a few that resemble your piece.  It is foreign made (that is if you are in the US).  Betting very late 1800's but most likely early 1900's.  These can sell between $800 to $5,000 depending on location and customer demand. Also, could you please post a pic of the upper most carved piece...a closeup?

Do you have the keys?  Any missing pieces?

[Sarah_S]

Thanks KC!! Those suggestions we're super helpful. I found a couple pieces that were really similar. Unfortunately I don't have the keys.  There a couple of very small pieces of the carvings that are missing on the upper doors with the serpents. Here's a close up pic of the upper figure carving.

[mariok54]

Beautiful piece ... I'd love it!

And I think wayward might be right about that figure

[Sarah_S]

Well Mariok54.....I've thought about selling it, how close are you to Chicago

[mariok54]

Well ..... looking at my pocket Atlas ... about 4" away ..... 

[Sarah_S]

LOL!!