What's it worth? Appraisal for Sheraton demi-lune card table
furniture |
Email Article Cathi asks:
Walt:
Here is the only photo I have. I live in Florida and my grandmother lives in Virginia. Taking additional photos is not an option. This table is old. I am sure everything is old to a 90 year old! I have been told it is a 19th century demi-lune card table. It is mahogany, about 3-31/2 feet in diameter (opened), about 21/2-3 feet tall, has inlayed decorations on the front, no inlay on table top when opened. The top the same as when it is folded over. I have been told it is 19th century but have no dates. That is about all I know.
Thanks so much.
Cathi

AW says: Hello Cathi. Thanks for your request, that’s a lovely card table. You really need to find out if this is a period piece or a later antique. Without key photos from the underside, it’s impossible to know if this is a period piece or a Sheraton reproduction.
Sheraton style furniture is one of the most reproduced styles of furniture known.You have to be very careful with this, because a the difference is critical to value.
A period piece would be dated between 1750-1820 and should show no evidence of automatic machine tools having been used. If it has screws or machine made hardware, this disqualifies your piece as a period item. You can also look for circular saw marks on edges, lines that have been machine planed etc.
If your’s is, as you’ve said a late 19th century piece, of course it’s a reproduction, although still an antique.
I can however, give you an appraisal based on either scenario, real or repro.
Retail value: Original period table: $3,500-$4000/ Reproduction value $300
Wholesale value: Original period table: $2,000/ Reproduction value $125
Quick sale value: Original period table: $900/ Reproduction value $75







