social

Finding the Value of a Vintage Wardrobe?

May 29, 2021

A vintage chifferobe with mirrors.Does anyone know how old this may be? Its in excellent condition. Obviously has been painted. Value?

Advertisement

Answers


Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 320 Answers
May 29, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

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.

 

Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
May 30, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

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."

Advertisement

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'.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement


www.etsy.com/.../antique-chifferobe-french-country...

 

Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 440 Answers
May 31, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

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/.../chifferobe-3

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/.../antique-armoire, ancientpoint.com/.../72367-antique_oak_chifferobe_wardrobe_cabinet_dresser_with_bonnet... I think that you have an antique wardrobe, but I'm not sure.

Advertisement

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/.../fvknxkpd-vintage-armoire. Here is another painted Armoire www.varagesale.com/.../r5pekrre-vintage-armoire. Another one painted, but not finished for $ 97, auction is not over yet www.k-bid.com/.../2?offset=6 countrysideauctioneers.hibid.com/.../
This Chifferobes (not painted) was sold for $ 145 cdn.apartmenttherapy.info/.../5f0ceff8245e61935049e55d9a527af7ce46fe81
Chifferobes are heavy, this why it's not easy to sell them.

 
Answer this Question

11 More Questions

Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.

November 3, 2019

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.

Replacing the Mirror on a Vintage Wardrobe - waterfall wardrobe
 
Replacing the Mirror on a Vintage Wardrobe
 
Replacing the Mirror on a Vintage Wardrobe
 
Replacing the Mirror on a Vintage Wardrobe
 
Replacing the Mirror on a Vintage Wardrobe
 

Answers


Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
November 4, 20192 found this helpful
Best Answer

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!

Advertisement

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.

 
Answer this Question

October 26, 2021

This is a 1920 chifferobe I am looking to sell. How much is it worth and where can I sell it?

A tall cabinet with the doors open.
 
The small open mirror cabinet on a chifferobe.
 
A tall chifferobe with mirrors.
 

Answers


Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 320 Answers
October 26, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

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.

 

Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
October 26, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

The hat box door makes it extra special!! It is on the small size which could be a selling point. The value is regional. Start high and take best offer...where I am high would be $500 and best offer could be as low as $75, and I would take it.

Best way to sell this is through a consignment store or antique store. You will get a percentage, but not have to worry about people coming in and out of your house. Post back how your sale goes!

 

Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 440 Answers
October 31, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

The price of Antique all wood chifforobe / wardrobe with original mirror on ebay is US $800 www.ebay.com/.../124745548338

But is not easy to sell such furniture as shipping is expensive. Sellers choose Local Pick Up Only. Therefore, the price is highly dependent on the demand in your area.

I found a similar Antique Armoire Wardrobe with Two Mirrored Doors 41 1/2" x 18 1/2" x 71", Dovetail drawers, missing some hardware, no key, missing some trim on small mirror door, Local Pick Up Only. It was sold for $50 www.proxibid.com/.../44813663

Your chifferobe is in very good condition. Is the mirror original?
If yes, then the price is high. But focus on the demand / prices in your area.

 
Answer this Question

March 5, 2018

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.

Value of a J.L. Metz Wardrobe Dresser - tall cabinet with two top doors and six drawers below
 
Value of a J.L. Metz Wardrobe Dresser
 
Value of a J.L. Metz Wardrobe Dresser
 
Value of a J.L. Metz Wardrobe Dresser
 
Value of a J.L. Metz Wardrobe Dresser
 

Answers


Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 105 Posts
March 6, 20180 found this helpful
Best Answer

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.

 
Answer this Question

December 20, 2020

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.

An antique chiffarobe with drawers on one side.
 
The open door of an antique chiffarobe.
 

Answers


Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
December 25, 20200 found this helpful
Best Answer

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!

 

Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
December 26, 20200 found this helpful
Best Answer

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/.../11606233-jos-peters-empire-style...

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/.../402622586177?hash=item5dbe2d1d41...

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.

 
Answer this Question

June 24, 2022

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.

A tall wooden armoire with a carved front.
 
The open armoire.
 

Answer this Question

November 8, 2017

I have this wardrobe piece of furniture which I'm guessing was big in the 1930s. Anyone know?

Value of Vintage Wardrobe - beautiful wardrobe with decorative vertical veneer on top
 
Value of Vintage Wardrobe
 
Value of Vintage Wardrobe
 
Value of Vintage Wardrobe
 

Answers

November 12, 20171 found this helpful
Best Answer

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.

 
Answer this Question

September 23, 2021

I am trying to find out the value of my chifferobe and matching chest. Are they antique?

A chifferobe with a mirror.
 
A wooden dresser.
 

Answers


Silver Answer Medal for All Time! 440 Answers
September 30, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

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/.../antique-1920s-wood-armoire-wardrobe...
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.

 
Answer this Question

December 10, 2021

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.

Information About Wardrobe?
 
The close up of the wardrobe's door handles.
 
The close up of the wardrobe's doors.
 
A tall wooden wardrobe.
 
The inside of the wardrobe.
 
The inside of the wardrobe.
 
A close up of the latch.
 
The inside of the wardrobe.
 
A close up of the wardrobe's shelves.
 
The inside of the wardrobe.
 
Inside the wardrobe.
 
The inside of the wardrobe.
 

Answers


Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
December 10, 20210 found this helpful
Best Answer

This is definitely from the 1940s or 1950s. It has interesting handles. I would take the pictures to a dealer if I were you. Look behind and underneath for manufacturers marks if you havent already.

 
Answer this Question

November 11, 2019

I'm selling my old wardrobe. I am wondering the year estimate and selling price.

Value of a Vintage Wardrobe - wardrobe with narrow door on the left and five drawers
 
Value of a Vintage Wardrobe
 

Answers


Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
November 11, 20190 found this helpful

The drawers appear to be made by hand and not machine. This piece is older and should be examined by a dealer.

 
Read More Answers

July 7, 2022

I inherited this years ago from my grandparents and now have to downsize my house. Have to sell it but have no idea what it is worth.

Any help appreciated.

A wooden wardrobe.
 
The open door of the wardrobe.
 
Close up of the chest of drawers portion of the wardrobe.
 
Close up of the mirror on the wardrobe.
 
An open drawer of the wardrobe.
 
An open drawer of the wardrobe.
 
An open drawer of the wardrobe.
 
An open drawer of the wardrobe.
 
Read More Answers

September 11, 2021

Question, what is the value of my wardrobe, its in excellent condition

A tall wooden wardrobe.
 

Answer this Question
In This Page
Categories
Consumer Advice Collectibles AntiquesDecember 18, 2017
Pages
More
🍀
St. Patrick's Ideas!
💘
Valentine's Ideas!
🎂
Birthday Ideas!
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube
Instagram
Categories
Better LivingBudget & FinanceBusiness and LegalComputersConsumer AdviceCoronavirusCraftsEducationEntertainmentFood and RecipesHealth & BeautyHolidays and PartiesHome and GardenMake Your OwnOrganizingParentingPetsPhotosTravel and RecreationWeddings
Published by ThriftyFun.
Desktop Page | View Mobile
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Generated 2025-02-02 05:46:06 in 105 secs. ⛅️️
© 1997-2025 by Cumuli, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.thriftyfun.com/Finding-the-Value-of-a-Vintage-Wardrobe.html