Antique Curio
Curio appears old, and seems similar to other valuable curio antiques we've seen. It is definitely made of solid wood, but I'm not sure what kind. Looking at examples, maybe walnut? Curio has a curved glass door with glass shelves. Amerock door latches are used in combination with a ball head screw that is screwed directly into the wood. Hopefully pictures will guide you the rest of the way.
Inherited it 20 years ago.
Inherited
Yes
Dear Ryan,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
This is oak, and probably from the 1940s; it looks like it may have been refinished at some point. A nice looking piece but the combination of cabinet and desk is not very popular these days, which tends to keep the auction value (the values Mearto appraises at) on the low side.
Based on the photographs and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An Art Nouveau style incised oak glazed secretary cabinet
Unattributed maker, American, mid 20th century, probably 1940s
With a shaped and incised back, the left side with a bow-front glazed (glass) cabinet door opening to a shelved interior, the right side inset with a shaped mirror plate over an incised-front slant-lid writing lid opening to a divided and pigeon-hole interior, over a long drawer over a cupboard, all on short bracket feet.
65 inches tall, 36 inches wide, 13 inches deep
PROVENANCE: inherited
$300-500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.
What company do you work with. Was trying to look that up to build confidence from a buyer. Any way to get something more official or would you have to see it in person?
Not at all - I've worked with furniture and other areas of the decorative arts (ceramics, glass, silver, textiles, metals) for nearly 30 years, both as an independent appraiser and for auction houses on both the east and west coasts. I watch auctions around the world regularly and follow trends in what is selling and what isn't, and at what varying price levels...so I've got a pretty good handle on the furniture market.
All of Mearto's appraisers are independent appraisers and unaffiliated with an auction house, so we can give an unbiased opinion of value.
I can tell the age from the how the piece is constructed, as well as the incised decoration, which has all the earmarks of being machined rather than hand-planed and hand-inscribed.
An auction house will always give a bit of a range for an estimate - it is difficult to always know exactly how much something will bring at auction as there can be many determining factors. Of course, it's always better to see things in person but your photos are excellent and give me a very good idea of what you have.
I've updated the appraisal with the dimensions - please let me know if you have any other questions.
Delia if we were to sell outside of an auction...what would YOU list as the asking price?
You can always come down from an asking price...it's much harder to look legitimate if you try to raise the price. You could start at $750 or $800 with the expectation of being negotiated down a bit...good luck!
Hello Delia! Thanks for tthe appraisal and deep detail! Love your name by the way. Had to look it up. Greek Moon Goddess, knew it meant something awesome! I'm sure you knew that. Sorry it took me a min to get back to you, busy, busy. the dimensions are 65" tall, 36" tall, and 13" deep. What are your credentials if you don't mind me asking? Or really just how certain can you be by looking at the pictures? You seem to know what you're talking about. The question would be do you think I should/can do anything else to increase value or get a more accurate appraisal. Is there any way to find out the manufacture? I assume that could make a difference, no? Any thing to help would be appreciated.