This belonged to my great grandmother. I have no idea what it is worth and I'd like to sell it. Does anybody recognize this old rocker?
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This could be worth over $500. Take it to a dealer.
Really? Do you know anything about it?
What a neat platform rocker. Do you know the history that it is from 1890s or is it marked? Does it have a maker stamp? Do you know if it is from Germany? It has the look of a German piece.
Does it have springs or what does it use to glide? Do you know if it is all original? Usually these pieces if they have springs have had them replaced many times to keep it going--that may or may not detract from the value--it just depends on the market.
Do you know if the back is original? When I have seen photos of similar they have either leather backs or tapestry. I am not sure if I have ever seen a photo of one that was confirmed original, so I am not sure which is the original finish.
Similar rockers are all over the price in value because values are very regional--around the US and in Europe. I have seen SOLD values from $50 to $300 dollars. These pieces are much more valuable in the European market than the US market...especially if it was a German piece--they still command nice values there.
So this is a huge price range. Why is this?
Because this is such a unique piece and I don't know where you are located--I can't tell you how to value yours.
My best suggestion is to take it to a reputable antique dealer and have them value it for your market. You can then decide if you want to sell it on our own, but with pieces like this, it is truly best to have the dealer sell it for you--either as a consignment or buy outright.
Knowing this, you will not get "retail" value for it (if a dealer tells you 300 that is their retail--you selling it on your own would probably fetch 1/4 to 1/2 of that),
It is probably best to sell a piece like this through the dealer...this way you have the piece of mind of selling it in a way that you don't have all of the hassles involved in a private sale. Now if you are an experienced reseller, you can go for it and try to get retail after you find the value--but speaking as an experienced reseller, I always defer furniture to stores/dealers. It is just so much easier.
The biggest reason I defer came the time I had someone want to pick up a huge bookshelf with a VW bug. Um NO...not going to fit.
Thanks for sharing this stunning piece!! Looking forward to hearing how your sale goes!! Please post back with updates!
Thanks for the feedback everyone. The wheels are original along with the woven seat and back. I couldn't find any writing or stamp anywhere. A man from Florida told me it looks like a Hunzinger rocker. Yes, it has springs. They may have been replaced at one time, but I am not certain of this. It is in great condition for being made in the 1890's.
It could be a Hunzinger or a Merklen Brothers. Both are similar in style. It is best to defer to someone who can see it in person if possible and value it for your town so you don't get cheated or have it over valued for your area and it sits unsold.
It is a lovely piece and I am excited to have seen it and been able to learn more!! Do post back with details if you sell!! Thanks for sharing!
Your rocker is in great conditon for the age. it is not even possible for me to tell you the actual price you can get for this rocker. In cases like yours it is best to go to an antique shop or even an auction house and have them give you an estimate on what it is worth. They are specialists in this field and normally they know the market so well and they understand if people are looking for this or not. You can go on eBay and look around but in reality this will not give you the true value of this piece.
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