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Cabinet making is an art with a long history. There is no better proof of this than the antique cabinets that are coveted today by antique collectors.
Despite the advent of modern designs, antique-style cabinets provide that vintage and classic element to any home décor. This makes them highly coveted not only for the value as an antique but also for the aesthetic value they add to your home.
Want to know the value of your an antique cabinet? Or do you have an antique cabinet that you are looking to sell?
Determining the value of your antique cabinet is not easy. You need to understand the variables that go into its valuation process. You can learn more about that process below or submit your item for a cabinet appraisal
Antique cabinets are available in a wide range of styles and types (more about this below). The design of each cabinet is intended for its purpose and function. Hence, it would be easy to identify what the antique cabinets are used for based on their design. Over the years, there have been numerous styles introduced by cabinet manufacturers and makers. Some are designed specifically for the aesthetic value they bring into a living space, such as within your home. If you want to bring that vintage vibe to your interior home design, these pieces can get the trick done.
The earliest cabinets that were manufactured were designed to store papers and other valuable items. In addition, some cabinets have desks on them too, to provide a writing surface. The addition of drawers on newer styles was a practical solution introduced to combat the challenges of accessing storage from the top. Over the years, the raised chest height was developed in order to eliminate the need to bend down to access the content of the drawers.
Even though cabinets were intended for a specific purpose, they showcase excellent craftsmanship of the maker. In fact, cabinets are highly regarded in the woodwork industry. There are plenty of skills involved in making cabinets such as carving, marquetry, inlaying, and veneering. The industrial period is when the cabinets flourished and production grew.
Antique cabinets have a history that date back to the 17th century. Since then, there have been different manufacturers and styles that are introduced into the market over the years. If you own an old cabinet that had been handed down from several generations, you could have an antique in your hands. But how do you identify if it is indeed antique and rare? The age of the cabinet is not enough proof of its value.
The first thing you need to do in order to identify your antique cabinet is to physically inspect it. Check if there is patina on the drawer pulls. If there are, then your cabinet is an antique. The presence of the patina means that the cabinet has been used for decades – you won’t find this same characteristic in newer cabinets. The feet of the cabinet could also show some signs of scuffing. The paint might also look dull at this point.
You should also inspect the back side of the cabinet. Look for a paper label or any signature. A signature is an essential factor in identifying antique cabinets (and also determines its market value). The signature would indicate the name of the craftsman. In some cases, you will get the name of the manufacturer. Using this piece of information, you will be able to determine where and when the cabinet was made.
It is important that you take clear photographs of the cabinet. If there are any signatures, you should include a photograph of that as well. This will help appraisers and antique dealers to be able to determine the value of the item when you take it for an appraisal.
Physical inspection and the signs of age could be a significant indicator that the cabinet is antique. Make sure you have them checked by a professional appraiser to ensure that the cabinet is not a modern reproduction.
Over the years, there have been many types of antique cabinets developed in the industry. Here are some of the most notable types:
When valuing antique cabinets, expert appraisers will consider the age of the item, initially. Therefore, it is important to have proof or documentation as to the origin of the cabinet so you can prove when it was made. The older the item is, the higher the potential value is.
The style is also an important consideration. When appraising antique cabinets, expert appraisers will look for styles that are not produced in large volume. The rarity of the antique cabinet style will make it more valuable to the eyes of potential antique buyers and collectors.
On the other hand, the originality of the antique cabinet’s condition is also important. Antique cabinets that are kept in their original state are typically more expensive than the ones that had been reproduced, or their parts or features had been altered.
Do you need to appraise your antique cabinet? Mearto has expert appraisers that specialize in furniture and other types of furnishings.
Click the "Get Started" button below to set up a free account.
Answer a few simple questions and upload images of your item.
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Get help with the next steps, including consignment and sale.
I am so happy to have found Mearto. Their team of seasoned professionals provide a wealth of knowledge in tandem with excellent customer care. They provided an expert valuation and advised me sell a painting that I purchased for just $10 at an estate sale for nearly $1,000 on eBay. I have used them on several occasions and have been extremely pleased every time.
Mearto provides exceptional service at an exceptional price!
I used the Mearto authentication service to develop a history of a family owned piece with little to no provenance, except being owned by my family for 65 years. They came back with a 20 page extensive report and included a full page bibliography for reference. The “Stylistic Observations” section of the report was most enlightening comparing my piece to the original, which was on public display in the 1940’s.
I’m very happy with the results!
Very polite and professional services that they provide, my appraisal involved looking into an oil painting by an artist whose work is over 400 years old. Not only did they write about the artist but also where he was from and where he was born and most importantly the value, I'm impressed. (worth every penny).
I will always use Mearto for future appraisals.
The authentication report we received from Mearto was very well researched and written, as well as detailed and comprehensive. From an examination of the artist's signature to a discussion of the figural representations in the work, Mearto's art specialists took the time to explain in non-technical terms their findings. Professional, responsive, and kind are just a few words to describe their communication throughout the process-- definitely money well spent!
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