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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: ghopper1924 on September 15, 2019, 10:47:58 AM

Title: Adaptive Reuse and Insurance Value
Post by: ghopper1924 on September 15, 2019, 10:47:58 AM: Hey all:

Just got this ca. 1870 music stand, which I've repurposed as a 1/2 bookcase.

Apparently it's been here in the U.S. midwest since it was made. I'm guessing its by Berkey & Gay from Grand Rapids, although there's a chance it's by Herter Bros. or Pottier & Stymus in New York. Can't think of a a lot of other firms that could do marquetry like this.

Anyway, I've looked several times and can't find anything just like it. What do you think for insurance purposes?

THANKS!!
Title: Re: Adaptive Reuse and Insurance Value
Post by: mart on September 15, 2019, 07:15:59 PM: What part of the center panels are marquetry and what part just paint ?? I can`t see the lines from this pic !! If 75% is marquetry with smaller touches of paint Go $2500. to $3000. for insurance !! Less for resale value !!
Title: Re: Adaptive Reuse and Insurance Value
Post by: ghopper1924 on September 15, 2019, 07:32:50 PM: Only the thin gold lines surrounding the ebonized sections are gilt paint. Otherwise, it's entirely marquetry.
Title: Re: Adaptive Reuse and Insurance Value
Post by: mart on September 15, 2019, 07:37:39 PM: Then stay with the above values for insurance !! As long as it hasn`t been altered or refiniished ect !!
Title: Re: Adaptive Reuse and Insurance Value
Post by: ghopper1924 on September 15, 2019, 07:58:48 PM: Neither one. Thanks Mart!!
Title: Re: Adaptive Reuse and Insurance Value
Post by: KC on September 19, 2019, 10:20:12 PM: Beautiful piece!!! I would agree with the price range but tip it closer to $3,000 to $3,500 in value.

Does the top tilt only for music or does it also lay flat to make a table top? So many were made to be multi-use (music stand, etagere, table)
Title: Re: Adaptive Reuse and Insurance Value
Post by: ghopper1924 on September 20, 2019, 05:26:32 AM: Good question, KC.

It tilts out on chains, just enough to hold a shief of sheet music. It was only originally intended for a single (musical) purpose.

But you make a good point: Victorians often used the power of invention and the machine to create multi-purpose objects.

Thanks for the input!!
Title: Re: Adaptive Reuse and Insurance Value
Post by: KC on September 20, 2019, 04:36:01 PM: The more I look at your piece, the more I think it is a multipurpose piece.

If the top marquetry panel is on a chain, that means the top of the panel tilts out towards you and a piece of sheet music will not stay on the tilted out panel. Correct? Have you even tried a sheet of music on it to see if it would stay when tilted backward? (Just for grins, take a look at this music caddy - they lean out for storage.) https://www.rubylane.com/item/332834-30444/Victorian-Antique-Walnut-Music-Caddy-Magazine (https://www.rubylane.com/item/332834-30444/Victorian-Antique-Walnut-Music-Caddy-Magazine)

The reason I am asking - with the chain - it is indicative of a music/magazine caddy.

In the late 1800's a Music Canterbury was a sign of status in the US (originally developed in England). This is more of a Victorian multi-use music piece. The wonderful marquetry work only enhances the value/look of this piece as well as the versatility of it. Wonderful wonderful piece!
Title: Re: Adaptive Reuse and Insurance Value
Post by: ghopper1924 on September 20, 2019, 04:49:11 PM: Cool. Since you brought it up, I have ben thinking "canterbury.'

Looks like a music caddy AND a magazine canterbury.

So would you revise your $ estimate?
Title: Re: Adaptive Reuse and Insurance Value
Post by: mart on September 20, 2019, 06:19:29 PM: I think between us two we are about right on value !! Yours is quite a bit larger and a more varied use than a typical Canterbury !!