Many times I am asked what my secret is to identifying high-quality
furniture for consignment. That is a
great question for adult children of seniors who are leaving their homes and
need to downsize. Many times the answer
lies in identifying the manufacturer of the pieces. Some manufacturers have a reputation for
excellence in every item they produce.
Among those manufacturers are Henredon, Drexel, Century, Heritage,
Maitland Smith, Ethan Allen and Baker.
Their pieces tend to not be mass produced, made with real wood and
featuring handmade tongue and groove construction, 8-way tied upholstery and
quality finishes.
If you have pieces
without those labels, they may still be quality furniture. Look closely at the composition of the
piece. Is it made of real wooden planks
or fiberboard? In the case of a
bookshelf, is it sturdy and capable of holding heavy books without bending? Are the pieces warped or damaged by
water? Try polishing the furniture to
see if there are any water spots noticeable.
Is any of the paint or finish flaking off?
For antique pieces,
it is generally a good idea to not re-finish them. The piece is usually more valuable without
alteration from the original design in any way.
If the finish is obviously damaged, it can be stripped and restored to a
better finish. Aged shellac can be
stripped off easily with denatured alcohol, to restore the original finish to its
authentic state. Always test an
inconspicuous area first. If the finish
liquefies, it is shellac and you can use the denatured alcohol on the entire
piece. You should always consult a
professional before painting or re-staining any antiques.
Estates Etcetera is
always looking for high-quality gently used furniture for consignment. To have your parents or loved ones
possessions evaluated, give Reba a call today!
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