social

Value of an Imperial Furniture Grand Rapids Desk?

Value of an Imperial Furniture Grand Rapids Desk - antique mahogany deskWe have had this desk sitting in the garage for several years and are wondering if it is worth anything.

Advertisement

Value of an Imperial Furniture Grand Rapids Desk - ornate desk legs
 
Value of an Imperial Furniture Grand Rapids Desk
 

Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!


Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
June 13, 20190 found this helpful
Best Answer

This brand of furniture has held its value. It is worth at least $200, and probably more. www.ebay.com/.../bn_7024793868

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Bronze Feedback Medal for All Time! 196 Feedbacks
June 13, 20190 found this helpful
Best Answer

Nice sturdy, functional piece you have there!!

So the single drawer versions are selling (ACTUAL sold prices--not asking prices) for $250 local pick up in Shiocton, Wisconsin (it was on eBay).

Advertisement

Since I can't find a two drawer comparable to give you today's value, I can guesstimate that a 2 drawer would fetch $25-$50 more than a one drawer.

The challenge is sales like this are:

1. better if done in person (the eBay sale was local pick up only)

2. different values in different parts of the country--where I am, I know people wouldn't pay that much for this piece--so you have to know your market to get a good value for it--we know in Shiocton, Wisconsin, it is worth $250 for a one drawer and guess that a two drawer would have a slightly higher value.

Selling is all about supply and demand so if you are in a high demand, low supply location, you may get even more, if you are in a place like me, where there is a high supply and a low demand, you will fetch less.

Advertisement

Since this is a large and lovely piece, you would be best served to work with a reputable 2nd hand furniture dealer or antique store (even though it is not an antique) and have them sell it for you.

Most people are not going to hand over that much cash to a person for a sale (like if you tried to sell it yourself on Facebook marketplace). You could try it...but you will get the most exposure through a shop.You pay a percentage of the sale, but usually end up winning in the long run because there is no muss or fuss, the piece leaves your house, sits as long as it needs to sit to sell, and you get a check. To me, that is well worth the slight money difference!

Post back with an update on how much you fetch for this neat item! Thanks for sharing!!

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
June 14, 20190 found this helpful
Best Answer

You can probably use this piece as a desk but I believe it would be unusual to find a true desk with drop-down side pieces.
Perhaps it was used as a library table or davenport/sofa table or foyer table or even a side table used for serving in the dining area?

Advertisement

That information may not be important but if you want top dollar for furniture you need to know as much about it as possible.
Your label does not seem to match any advertised labels for Imperial Furniture Company so maybe someone can explain about the difference.

Lyre base tables are usually popular but condition means everything with furniture (for top value). Your table seems to be in good condition but you say it has been stored in your garage for years and if it has been exposed to moisture then it may not be in excellent condition. Hopefully the drawers are sliding properly and close correctly as these are usually the first things affected by moisture.
If you wish to sell your table I do not think you should mention that it has been stored in your garage.

I am a great believer in free online appraisals as you can usually find out so many things from these sites and some are free but it's always best to contact several so you receive the most information.

Advertisement


Should you decide to ask for an appraisal you should clean up your piece as best you can and take a minimum of 6 pictures with an uncluttered background if possible.
Full front, close up of top condition, side showing drop and hinges, harp/lyre, full back, underside and marks.
Also give full measurements, opened and closed and height.
Provide any information you have about provenance and state your present location.
Ask for insurance and retail value and any information on where would be a suitable place to take your table for auction (within driving distance if possible).

www.whatsellsbest.com/.../antiques.html

www.antique-shop.com/.../index.php?board=2.0

If you do this you will have all the information (and pictures) needed to list your table for sale.
I agree that taking it to a large auction house may be best but most people do not live within driving distance of an auction where this table would be sought after.

Advertisement


No matter where you post your listing it will probably be best to have it listed as local pick up only.
I believe your table will show up as more valuable than is being sited but value will depend on condition and location.

Here is a link that you can ask questions about your table.

www.furniturecityhistory.org/contact

www.furnituredetective.com/contact_us.php

Here are links to interesting fact about the Imperial Furniture Company.

www.seattletimes.com/.../

www.furniturecityhistory.org/.../imperial-furniture-co

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!

In This Page
Categories
Consumer Advice Collectibles Furniture Antique FurnitureJune 13, 2019
Pages
More
🍂
Thanksgiving Ideas!
🎃
Halloween Ideas!
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube
Instagram
Contests!
Newsletters
Ask a Question
Share a Post
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 2022-10-25 09:17:28 in 1 secs. ⛅️️
© 1997-2022 by Cumuli, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.thriftyfun.com/Value-of-an-Imperial-Furniture-Grand-Rapids-Desk.html