Does anyone know how old this may be? Its in excellent condition. Obviously has been painted. Value?
The first mention of chifforobe is believed to be a 1908 Sears Catalog, and they were manufactured up until around 1950. Five rather than 4 drawers is nice (the hardware could be original), as is having 2 mirrors. The finest were made with exotic woods but many working class families had ones made of pine or oak as well (my grandparents did). I think although the paint on your unit looks well-applied, it decreases the value as I'm sure you've recognized. So ultimately the value will be on the side of the buyer who appreciates it's historic charm and has just the right space to feature it.
Definition:
A chifferobe/chiffonier is a closet-like piece of furniture that combines a long space for hanging clothes (that is, a wardrobe or armoire) with a chest of drawers."
It's possible there is information (including date) printed on the back of the piece.
Looks like this piece is in nice condition but when looking for value you have to consider where the item is located as location usually plays a big part in final value of any large (almost unshippable) item.
From the looks of the sales record posted on this item it would appear the store has had this item a while and thus is continually marking down the price - trying to find someone who is interested in buying this piece of 'history'.
The difficulty this store is having in selling this piece would make me think it was not a popular item in your area so if you were thinking about buying it to resell, this may be an indication that it would not be a good piece to 'flip'.
If you're thinking of buying it for yourself, then it is probably a bargain right now.
The value would be in how much you like this style of furniture and if it is useful to you?
Many of these were made in the 30's - 40's but seems to have been very popular during that time as many older houses did not have sufficient 'closet/hanging' space.
Since that is not the case today, that kinda makes that half of the item 'useless' to many people.
Still there are people who have room for pieces like this and many completely make over the piece to suit their 'fantasy' - some are redone to use in kitchens and/or bathrooms.
Check out some of these 'redone' pieces:
www.pinterest.co.uk/
I believe this may be one of the most unusual pieces that I've seen.
This is Chifferobe, also called Armoire / Wardrobe / Cabinet / Dresser. Your Chifferobe is in great condition, but it was updated (panted). I found only one Chifferobe with the same round mirror like yours: instappraisal.com/
Determining the age without additional information is quite difficult. See what is written on the back, of course if the back is not covered with paint. I don't think you will find the manufacturer's marks, but a photo of the inscriptions might help. Have the handles been replaced? Here are antique unpainted Armoires www.etsy.com/
The price depends on the age, for example, here an Antique Armoire is for almost $ 1000 (not painted). The prices of Vintage Chifferobes / Armoires are lower. The price of this painted vintage Armoire is $ 150 www.varagesale.com/
This Chifferobes (not painted) was sold for $ 145 cdn.apartmenttherapy.info/
Chifferobes are heavy, this why it's not easy to sell them.
Ask a QuestionHere are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community or ask a new question.
The mirror on this dresser was cracked so I took it off. I like the look of the door, but am wondering if it's more valuable to replace it.
You have an amazing Art Deco "Waterfall style" chiffarobe. It is called waterfall style because of the rounded drops at the edges of all horizontal surfaces, intended to mimic a flowing waterfall. This is the most favorite style of those of us who adore the art deco vibe! SO LOVELY!! Great handles also!
In some circles (mostly big cities like New York City, LA, maybe even Miami) a piece like this could get up to $1,500 in an auction setting. A person selling it on his/her own most likely will not get that much. The seller needs to be a reputable one with a wide audience who can deliver the piece intact to its new home.
Pieces that fetch the most money are totally intact and original (mirror, handles, etc.). That you removed the mirror and replaced it will need to be disclosed if you are selling it because some people want the pieces to be all original even if it is damaged.
You will fetch more with a replacement mirror but be sure that the mirror is to period--meaning if the original mirror had beveled edges, the replacement needs to also or if the original had black line etching, the replacement needs to have it. It needs to be restored to period, not just slapping on a cheap mirror to cover the wood.
You have an amazing piece!! I hope you are in a big city where you can fetch a nice sum for it!
PS, you will need to factor in the cost of the mirror in the resale cost, so it may pay NOT to and take less for the sale and let the new buyer spend the money for a mirror. Mirrors (at least one to period specs) are not cheap and that would cut seriously into your profits.
This is a 1920 chifferobe I am looking to sell. How much is it worth and where can I sell it?
The price depends heavily on where you live -- both from market demand and whether you include shipping or delivery. This piece actually looks a little newer than 1920, and there are condition issues: a smaller mirror would have been a top left originally, and the finish seems uneven. So, assuming someone will need to put some money and elbow grease into restoration, I would suggest starting at $100 in today's economy.
Boutiques love these for displaying goods, and young people are attracted to the vintage aspect and uniqueness. If you can't get the price you want but need to offload it, please keep community theaters in mind: this would be a great piece to establish the time period of a play and the working class of the characters.
I have a J.L. Metz wardrobe dresser I believe is what it's called. I have been told it's possibly an antique.
I am trying to find out its possible value before I get rid of it.
This is in excellent condition and I wouldn't just give it away. It is a good idea to put this on Craig's list or even eBay to sell it. The condition your dresser is in should be sold for around $250. Most people who are selling them on the lower end is because they are in poor condition and they don't want to fix them. The really high end ones are more than likely a bit older than yours and in excellent condition.
My husband had this antique chiffarobe growing up. It has the original tilting mirror, it's just not currently attached.
It's in good shape other than the loose floorboards.
That is a lovely piece. It is usually called a Gentleman's Chifforobe. Sometimes, like the example given, a Southern Chifforobe.
I see them in a variety of woods going for a variety of prices from $300-$2,000.
This is a huge range and that is because furniture resale is highly supply and demand driven market/thing.
If you are in a high supply, low demand area (like I am), the prices are super low. If you are in place where there is a low supply and high demand, you will fetch much more.
My best guidance is to ether talk to a local reseller store and see how much it would cost to buy one in your town (that would be retail--you can gauge your price for there knowing you will probably not get retail for selling it on your own) OR just start high and take best offer.
The value will be what someone in your town is willing to pay.
Post back how your sale goes! Thanks for sharing!
The pictures may not do your Chifforobe justice as it appears to need a lot of TLC if nothing else. If your piece is to be valued at more than $75 - $100 you will need to do some conditioning of the wood and make any repairs that are needed.
Then you can take several really good pictures from all angles and write a good description as well - pictures should not have any clutter in the background that may/will lower the value.
I found several similar pieces listed for sale and several sold but it would be very difficult to find an exact match. Most of the pieces I've seen seem to be in much better condition than yours - but - as I said - it could be the take on the pictures.
Here is a beautiful piece that sold in July of 2020 for $145:
www.ebth.com/
This one is listed for sale on eBay for $99 and I believe this wood may be beautiful if the right pictures were presented.
The seller is listing this one in the 1920-1940 era which looks about right. This one is listing freight shipping or local pick up.
www.ebay.com/
I live in central Florida and I feel sure that it would be difficult to sell this item for $100 in the present condition.
But item such as this are not in demand in very many areas but you may be lucky and live in an area that is 'into' old/vintage furniture.
So many people are on the move so often they just want in style/inexpensive furniture that can be easily replaced and paid for with a credit card.
You may have to 'test the waters' and list your piece at a higher price with all offers considered and pick up only to see what people in your area will pay.
I don't have any info on this other than it belonged to my mother-in-law that has recently passed. We are trying to sell it but I don't know its worth.
I have this wardrobe piece of furniture which I'm guessing was big in the 1930s. Anyone know?
I agree - it's a design typical of the 1930s. I couldn't venture a guess on the value, but judging by how much of this kind of mass-produced furniture was made and is still around, it's not likely to have much value other than sentimental. Technically, this kind of piece is not called a wardrobe, but rather a chifferobe. Try an online search of 1930s chifferobes to see similar pieces.
I am trying to find out the value of my chifferobe and matching chest. Are they antique?
I think you have Antique 1920s Chifferobe and Matching Chest.
I found a similar looking ANTIQUE 1920's WOOD ARMOIRE WARDROBE CLOSET CHIFFEROBE WALNUT for sale in Shreveport, Louisiana, the price is $975. shreveport.americanlisted.com/
Measures: 78" Tall, 46" Wide, with 3 Panels - one Center Mirror Panel and two Door Opens, with Brass Hardware. Inside it has a large open space with Brass Rod for Wardrobe. Bottom has one Drawer that goes across the entire bottom. It includes original skeleton key to lock.
Note the similar horizontal door inserts. The price of your Antique Chifferobe is lower.
Hello! I can't find a brand or year on the wardrobe but curious to know what it is, age and value? Thanks in advance.
