This post is off thread and not about victorian furniture however, theres been some discussion lately about how prices for antique furniture are way down. The sale this past weekend at northeast auctions says otherwise with a BANG!!!
For instance, i have always lusted for a Shaker workstand made in Enfield, N.H. Here's one from the foremost Shaker dealer in america (john keith russell) priced at a reasonable $14,500..... http://www.jkrantiques.com/shaker_antiques_furniture_24.html
Flash forward to northeast this weekend where a very similar workstand was on sale and which i bid on....http://northeastauctions.com/search/detail.php?l=670&a=ribic08
The hammer price? $32,000 plus a 17% buyers premium.
Needless to say i didnt win, not even close on this piece, nor on some other Pilgrim pieces that were available at this sale which i also placed a bid on. Did someone say antique furniture prices are down recently? Yes, i did, but i take it ALL BACK after this sale.
The Northeast Sale Blows "Antique Prices Down " Totally out of the Water
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General Discussion thread on victorianforum.com · started August 4, 2008 by jacon4 · 3 posts · discussion in 2008.
This post is off thread and not about victorian furniture however, theres been some discussion lately about how prices for antique furniture are way down. The sale this past weekend at northeast auctions says otherwise with a BANG!!! For instance, i have always lusted for a…
I think there is a pocket of items that will continue to do well - mostly the upper end of everything. I think, however, the lower top-tier and below are hurting for the time being. Also, I think good prices can be seen on the latter if one is willing to wait. There are just fewer people flashing cash around, except for the very wealthy who aren't impacted by economic dips.
As an aside, it's funny how I am attracted to Victorian furniture and not what you linked to (at the moment). I want a little more for my money (ormolu, caryatids, carved flowers, brass plaques,....). The bare simplicity is elegant but I can't yet part with 14-32k (plus buyers premium) for it. :)
As an aside, it's funny how I am attracted to Victorian furniture and not what you linked to (at the moment). I want a little more for my money (ormolu, caryatids, carved flowers, brass plaques,....). The bare simplicity is elegant but I can't yet part with 14-32k (plus buyers premium) for it. :)
lol @ "I want a little more for my money", yeah, i hear you and i understand what you mean however, sometimes, less is more. Shaker furniture is understated no doubt but its the only uniquely American Form of furniture known so that alone makes it kinda special. I agree though, 40k for a 1 drawer workstand is very damn special and this sale at northeast might have just been an oddity which sometimes happens at auction.