I have an oval, drop leaf gateleg table with one drawer. Inside that drawer is a Crown with the word "Imperial" in it. There is another label (nearly worn completely away, that I can make out Grand Rapids Mich on it.

Is it mahogany? Perhaps oak??? I can't really tell, the stain and finish are in terrible condition.

Which brings me to my point. BEFORE I take it to the refinnishers, I desire to know if it is something special.

Any Idea how I can refrence this table ?

The closest I have found is HERE

First the one at this site is in much better condition, stain wise and finish wise. Second The turns on the one pictured are very different from what I have. No, mine does not have a spiral


Though the legs on mine is all turned, no square areas even where the lower "struts" go into the upright legs. Only near the top where the drawer is do the legs square off.

Please help - I do not even know how to start a search on this.

David

Don't know how helpful this will be to you, David, but looks like other people are also asking HERE

From The Public Museum of Grand Rapids:

"IMPERIAL FURNITURE CO. Founded in 1903, Imperial's large inventory of designs consisted primarily of dining and occasional tables, and associated case pieces such as bookcases and desks. Imperial also laid claim to the invention of the "coffee table" in the 1920s. Imperial was sold to Bergsma Brothers Co. of Grand Rapids in 1954, which operated its plant until 1983."

Furniture is generally considered 'antique' when it reaches an age of 100 years. Most pieces from Imperial have not achieved this status. Nonetheless, additional research leads me to believe they were an outstanding manufacturer.

The site has an order form for a $35 book with identification hints.

My wife's copy of Kovel's Antiques and Collectibles Price List (2002 edition) has several Gateleg Drop Leaf tables. Eliminating the obvious antiques, the closest thing I am left with is a description of a 30" table with a 66-1/2" x 40" oval, by manufacturers such as Herman Miller and G. Nelson, priced at $920.

I don't know that this is something special, yet - but I am also not inclined to advise having it refinished. Do you have an acquaintance who can look at it to give proper advice?

Hm. No pictures of mine

Ah no I do not have a friend to take a look at it, and I am not in the mood to go seeking and Antiques dealer who may or may not skin me alive depending on how ignorant I really am on the matter.

100 years? Hm. This particular table may be shy of 80 years, that means in my life time it may become worth selling.

Anything over $1.00 would be a profit, the table was given to me by a friend who had "no more room" in their house for "junk".

At $900.00 I would be less inclined to get it refinished, even if it is worth half that much I would have to do some serious thinking on the matter.

I wish I could understand the silly notion that one's old furniture must look old to be worth anything, isn't it the design and age of the thing enough?



Cheers

David

David, do NOT have it refinished until you are certain that refinishing will not cause it to lose value. Take pictures at every angle, including the underside, joints, and drawer construction. Then start looking for antique appraisers in your area. Get several opinions.

quote:

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Originally posted by DvdGStwrt:
I wish I could understand the silly notion that one's old furniture must look old to be worth anything, isn't it the design and age of the thing enough?

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From Antiquetalk.com:

"Unless you get a go-ahead from several acknowledged experts, don't refinish quality antiques in old or original surface.

Three reasons:

1. In some cases, the coloration is truer to original intent. A mahogany-like pigmented finish was often applied to cherry, maple, and other native woods by American cabinetmakers trying to upgrade the look of their wares. Tiffany and other artisans commonly "antiqued" bronze and other metals used in lamps and other products.

2. Grungy untouched paint, varnish, and oxidation is considered beautiful by many of today's top curators and collectors.

3. Unrefinished surface is a valuable clue in determining antique integrity. Be it painting, paper, metal, textile, or wood; one of the biggest challenges for fakers and restorers is mimicking old surface. Undeniable integrity heightens price."

Yeah, what Fuse said.

Well Geez.

I found out a couple of weeks ago that my old pocket watch, which I sent to JC penny last year for cleaning and came back broke so I had to take it to a real jeweler - is worth - --

Before I tell you the worth, Let me remind you that this pocket watch I always carry with me, use it at work, use it in play - I can't wear a wrist watch for long, those digital ones get all funky in a month's time. I take this pocket watch camping, and hiking and once it accidentally went for a swim when somebody pushed me in the pool.

Anyway I found out that this pocket watch is worth: $2,700.00 to 3,000.00 - That's American Dollars and I have been using it as just a watch!

It will be coming home today, we had to get $340.00 worth of repairs because JC Penny bent the main spring and the main cog. Plus the idiot behind the counter pulled the stem to get it to start ticking!

Yes Iw ill be using the watch still, howver I will take great pains to remove it off my person when playing football, swimming or wrestling and of course work.

So when it comes to the table, can you imagine what I am doing to that?????

Don't ask - Lets put it this way, it is NOT in a show case, it is used every day. Along with the sofa and chair (from the 1890's) and a few other pieces which I wager are older than dirt and worth a pretty penny.

David