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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: Phonzu2 on March 28, 2013, 04:11:50 PM

Title: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: Phonzu2 on March 28, 2013, 04:11:50 PM
I am looking to get rid of this piece of furniture but I have no knowledge of the antique business or how to go about selling this thing. I was going to post it on Craigslist but googled it and saw this thing has some value. So my questions are.. What would be the best way to get a fair appraisal on this? Where would be the best places to list it? Is it better to sell locally or would I get a substantial difference if I decided to ship it? I live in Miami so if anyone knows a business here that could help me out it would be appreciated! I have attached a picture, it should show the piece in very good condition but not restored.
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: Phonzu2 on March 28, 2013, 04:16:24 PM
Pic
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: frogpatch on March 28, 2013, 07:09:55 PM
I am not an expert but pieces attributed to Edward Wormley from the mid century have commanded very good prices at auction. This looks like it is from that period and may be one of his designs. He is well known for his seating pieces and tall case pieces are uncommon from what I have read.. Also labeled pieces of Dunbar are rare. You did well not putting it on Craigslist. I would research it as much as possible. You are in one of the best areas to sell it. Miami, Chicago, Southern California and New York are strong markets for mid century designer pieces. Do your homework on this piece. Even if it is a later example and not from Wormley it could still bring over 1000.00 with the right crowd at auction.
I really believe its Wormley. Check out this piece from Treadway Gallery. They are asking 4000.00. Have a nice weekend!

http://www.treadwaygallery.com/onlinecat/march0407/images/large/979.jpg (http://www.treadwaygallery.com/onlinecat/march0407/images/large/979.jpg)

http://www.treadwaygallery.com/onlinecat/march0407/unsold3.html (http://www.treadwaygallery.com/onlinecat/march0407/unsold3.html)
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: mart on March 28, 2013, 07:34:35 PM
What is selling best are his upholstered pieces and the more unique designed chairs !! You might look in the yellow pages for a gallery that specializes in mid century modern furniture for an appraisal !!  Designer pieces from that era are doing well in many metro areas !!  Do as Frogpatch suggested and research more !!  Most of his work is signed !!
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: frogpatch on March 28, 2013, 07:43:13 PM
Mart, did you see the picture from the gallery? It is almost identical. $4000.00 I think is the auction estimate.
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: mart on March 28, 2013, 07:54:20 PM
Just looked !!  Very similar in style !!  I saw another online somewhere with woven rosewood on the doors ( hope I remember right) !!  Might do OK with this one !!  There are a few diehard collectors out there but if they are wanting to sell this cabinet,, might wait till after April 15th for best price !!  Things are slow right now !!
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: Phonzu2 on March 29, 2013, 01:10:57 AM
Awesome information!! Thank you so much for the help!
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: Ipcress on March 29, 2013, 05:33:58 AM
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/1950952

$7,000

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/3149395

$4250
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: mart on March 29, 2013, 09:39:51 AM
 Did they sell at those prices ??
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: Phonzu2 on March 29, 2013, 10:45:27 AM
Did they sell at those prices ??

We will find out! Will list on craigslist today while I explore other means of sale.
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: Ipcress on March 29, 2013, 10:53:38 AM
Did they sell at those prices ??

Yes - sold.

Descriptions on the woods seem to vary though. Walnut and olive in one, dark mahogany and bleached rosewood elsewhere.
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: gg27 on March 29, 2013, 11:00:56 AM
Those auctions were in 2006 & 2007.   I don't know about your market, but here many prices have fallen significantly since then.  It is a beautiful piece though. GG
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: frogpatch on March 29, 2013, 11:50:11 AM
Be careful on Craigslist. You are inviting pseudo experts that will try to convince you it is just a piece of used furniture. They may insult you, laugh at you and offer you 50 bucks to take it off your hands. Do not fall for their crap. Also make sure they do not come inside your house. I wrote a whole article called Craigslist - A Haven for Con Artists, Crooks and Scams. Am I a little paranoid. Yes, and rightly so. I would find a good Miami auction house that has a national following and sell it there. It is worth the fee.
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: ghopper1924 on March 29, 2013, 11:51:33 AM
Beautiful....hummmm m.....Well, there's no accounting for taste.

As Wull would say, food for the woodburner.  ;D ;  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: mart on March 29, 2013, 12:17:15 PM
Does that mean you don`t care for mid century modern Ghopper ?? ???
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: bigwull on March 29, 2013, 12:38:35 PM
Its not often that ghopper and I agree on anything...apart from Music  .but he has hit the nail on the head,....it sure does,nt rock Avrils boat...nor mine...  ;D
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: ghopper1924 on March 29, 2013, 01:37:57 PM
Does that mean you don`t care for mid century modern Ghopper ?? ???

You are quite correct my dear Mart.

Mass produced, no soul, minimal to no craftsmanship, and we're told that "clean lines" is an adequate aesthetic reward? I agree with Tom Wolf; most of modernism is a shuck. It's a sucker's game to get people to accept cheapness and low standards and smile while doing it! The sad thing is, at this late stage in the game, that people no longer recognize quality or can even begin to replicate the craftsmanship of the past.
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: mart on March 29, 2013, 06:26:25 PM
Some of it I don`t care for either but it sells !!  I prefer classic 50`s !! With a lot of stuff on the side !!  Can`t stand bare anything !!
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: bigwull on March 29, 2013, 07:09:51 PM
Some of it I don`t care for either but it sells !!  I prefer classic 50`s !! With a lot of stuff on the side !!  Can`t stand bare anything !!
No birthday suits for you then.... ;D
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: mart on March 29, 2013, 07:42:12 PM
Well,,, not now for sure !!!
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: Phonzu2 on April 15, 2013, 11:44:56 AM
No luck so far, contacted 8 dealers locally and 3 wanted to look at it. I emailed pictures but did not receive replys...my quest continues!!
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: bigwull on April 15, 2013, 12:04:52 PM
If it is as valuable as has been mooted..then i,d list it for sale world wide,and post worldwide...if there anyone out there that likes this type of furniture..then they will be prepared to pay for the shipping..I,ve sold a couple of large items in the past, one to a guy in San Diego,..and another to a guy in Chicago..on both occasions, shipping cost them £249 for a crate measuring, 6ft x 3ft x 3ft,and weighing 90kg...I used FedEx..
Title: Re: Dunbar China Cabinet question..
Post by: mart on April 15, 2013, 07:47:01 PM
No luck so far, contacted 8 dealers locally and 3 wanted to look at it. I emailed pictures but did not receive replys...my quest continues!!

You need to be aware that dealers are not going to pay much !! You might be lucky to get $200. from them !!  Just post  your own ad and you will do much better !!  In fact I have a site that deals in MCM furniture and other items on my desktop !! It is a sale site that specializes so you might have better luck that way !!