Antique Opinion

[eoinsgaff]

hey all,

see below a few photo's of a pair of antique pieces that I would like to know some more about. These have been under my nose for such a long time that I didn't really take note of them. Not been able to see the wood from the tree's if you will.

Apparently these are rather old and there is a remarkable amount of burl or similar on the pieces. I have no knowledge of antiques so maybe something stands out to those of you who know more than me.

Any thoughts would be welcome

Regards

Eoin

 

[dickm]

That's some spectacular wood! My guess would be late Victorian/Edwardian, but a very high quality example of its period. The "dressing table" looks particularly unusual, as they are normally tables or chests, with a half height mirror on top. Never seen that sort of combination of dressing chest and cheval mirror before.
Wish they were mine!

 

[eoinsgaff]

It sure is spectacular wood alright and there is lots of it. It may be 'Arbutus' wood from the 'Strawberry Tree' if my little bit of research is correct. The workmanship is damn good and no expense seems to have been spared on the volume of wood used. There is some damage to the veneer but for a pair like this to be together has to mean something.

Must do some further research on their history.

Eoin

 

[tomatwark]

Have a look at the inside of the drawers and inside the wardrobe to see if there is a stamp or makers plate, the bits look good enough to have them.

Tom

 

[eoinsgaff]

****/Tom upon some further research on the history of the pieces I understand it to be a type of furniture know as Killarneyware which is apparently rather prized by people in the know. It should date to the mid/late 1800's but significant further research will be required for this.

As I'm no Lovejoy, how would I go about safely/honestly valuing these pieces. There are some very interesting prices coming up on line for smaller pieces from this range.

Eoin

 

[Richard T]

Isn't it wallnut?

 

[jackss565]

Eoin,

The only way to have an accurate valuation is to have someone indepenantly value them, by the look of the pieces this may be well worth doing if only to declare them on your insurance

Thanks
Jack

 

[eoinsgaff]

Richard, possibly but I don't think so. Even before my research I was thinking it wasn't walnut but my experience is very limited. Subsequently the history of the pieces tended heavily towards Arbutus wood which would also be known as Madrone by our American friends. Although this could ultimately be embarrassing for me.

Thats fair sound advice Jack. It will satisfy the curiosity aspect as well as having a very practical purpose.

I must submit more pics of the workmanship internally.

Eoin

 

[jimi43]

I must submit more pics of the workmanship internally.

Eoin

Yes please Eoin!

Inside those drawers....please...

Jim

 

[dickm]

Interesting that it is a "native" Irish style, which would account for the unusual (for GB) style of the dressing table.

Valuation is always a fraught issue. For insurance purposes, probably best to ask a local furniture auctioneer to come and have a look at it; they usually charge, but for something like that which would be difficult/impossible to replace if destroyed, probably worthwhile so there's no argument with the insurers.

In the end, of course, its value is what someone is prepared actually to pay for it, but at least an estimate would be a starting point.

Never before seen anything made of Arbutus, though the trees obviously grow big enough to provide useful timber. Shame the "strawberries" that it produces as fruit are, apparently, foul tasting