Have you recently inherited or purchased an antique dresser and want to know its value? Mearto provides quick and affordable online appraisals of antique dressers. All you have to do is click on the “Start Appraisal” button above and follow the steps to send us information about and images of your antique dresser. One of our qualified and experienced specialists will review and get back to you with a fair market and insurance value, typically within 48 hours. Have questions about the valuation provided, or would you like some advice about selling your antique dresser? We are here to help! Our platform allows you to chat back and forth with a specialist to ensure that all of your questions are answered.
Click the "Get Started" button below to set up a free account.
Answer a few simple questions and upload images of your item.
Receive a specialist's valuation by email in 24 to 48 hours.
Get help with the next steps, including consignment and sale.
Antique dressers are one of the most collected items among antique furniture pieces. They can be used for display purposes or for their functional purpose, which is to store personal items. The style value that it adds to your home is one of the reasons why it is highly valued. If you are trying to sell them and get a good price, you need to authenticate them to ensure that they are truly antique.
The age of the antique dresser is the number one factor that appraisers need to know when valuing an item. Antique isn’t just about being old; you need to determine exactly from which period the dresser was manufactured from. This will enable you to determine the closest possible value for the antique item. An antique dresser made in the 16th century will be priced differently than ones made in the 18th century.
The material is also important in knowing its appraised value. Majority of antique dressers are made of wood. Therefore, the value will vary according to what type of wood was used. Antique dresses made with oak or cherry are the most expensive kind. You can also find antique dresses made with metal fittings, gold, or brass.
The level of craftsmanship in antique cabinets and other antique furniture can add to its value. The specific type of design is therefore looked into during appraisal. The type of design can showcase the craftsmanship and skill of its maker. When it is in good condition, too, the prices can really go up.
The style of the antique dresser is different from the type. The style refers to the individual features of the dresser itself rather than the distinctive design approach of its maker.
One of the distinctive aspects of the dresser style is the presence (or absence) of glass or mirror. The decision to add the glass or not is based on preference. For practicality sake, some would prefer the glass so the objects inside the dresser are visible without the need to open it.
The style of the door in the antique dresser is another feature that establishes a distinction. Other factors that determine the style of antique dresser include a chest of drawer, doorknob, and frame.
Antique cabinet makers like to leave their signature into their design. This is also known as the maker’s mark. This is a highly important feature for serious antique collectors. Knowing that a particular piece of furniture was made by a famous furniture maker will cause its value in the market to go up!
To check for a signature, you need to do a thorough inspection of the furniture itself. The location of the signature or mark will vary. Hence, it is important to check the back, bottom, or sides. The type of signature will also vary, on top of its position. Some signature are carved or engraved, while the others are printed via ink.
When you find the signature, you need to consult with an expert. It is also recommended that you obtain documentation for the antique item. The mark must be verified and authenticated first. The expert appraiser can give you a written current value for the item that can be used for selling your antique item.
Mearto offers two opportunities to sell your antique dresser based on its current fair market value:
Customers with antique dresser expected to sell for $5,000 or more can take advantage of our complimentary Consignment Concierge service. We will contact leading auction houses on your behalf, collect offers and help you negotiate the terms of a consignment agreement. There is no additional fee or commission for this service.
For customers with antique dresser valued between $50 and $5,000, Mearto offers an exclusive Marketplace, which is accessed by a number of art, antiques and collectibles dealers around the world. If there is interest in your item, you will be contacted directly with offers through our platform. In the event of a successful sale, Mearto takes a 7% transaction fee.
To learn more about options for selling your antique dresser through Mearto, please click here.
Lindsey Bourret is the Managing Director at Mearto. In addition to overseeing the daily operations of the business, she also enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge of the fine art and antiques market with our customers through our website, blog, e-newsletter and social media accounts.