John Sikorski: Interest in corner chairs has waned, but will come back
Q: Here are the photographs for the mahogany corner chair I asked about and you said you needed in your reply. I am looking for the market value. Thank you for your help. — L.W., Internet
A: I am glad you followed up with the photographs of your corner chair. I think it was made in Europe. I think the seat upholstery has been redone. The original seat was probably done in a rush. The hand carving on the crest rail is of a good quality. The overall style is Rococo Revival. It was likely made in the last quarter of the 19th century. Dollar values in general have gone down on antique corner chairs, whether 18th, 19th or 20th century vintage, since the high wave of values in the 1980s and ’90s. Now is not a good time to sell. The finish appears to be quite old or perhaps original. In the future, when demand returns, it could make the chair more salable. It would be good to pass the chair on in the family.
Q: Can you tell me of a jewelry consignment store in the Gainesville area? I have my mother’s fine jewelry and would like to find a reputable jeweler. Thanks. — A.K., Internet
A: Some jewelry stores do not offer consignment services because of insurance costs. Since you want to sell the pieces, perhaps with a couple of good photographs I could help you with some advice on selling the pieces.
Q: We have several pieces of antique and fine furniture, and collectible china and glassware, for which we would like to find homes. We have several pieces from the 1800s, American Empire and Victorian, but most are from the early 1900s, pre-1940. We would like to donate the items to museums or places that might appreciate the beauty and quality of these pieces.
Are you aware of any way to contact museums, estate homes now open as museums or other institutions to see if they would be interested? We are preparing to downsize, and I know there is little to no market for these items anymore.
Any suggestions would be very much appreciated. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you! — M.G., Internet
A: I might be able to give you some advice; however, without a few good photographs of the items, it is not possible. If you like, take some photos and perhaps I can point you in the correct direction.
— John Sikorski, with more than 35 years of experience, is an Ocala-based antiques advisor, consultant and broker. Send your questions to Sikorski's Attic, c/o The Ocala Star-Banner, 2121 SW 19th Ave. Road, Ocala, FL 34471-7752, or email absantique@aol.com.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: John Sikorski: Interest in corner chairs has waned, but will come back
