What is this piece of furniture and how much should I ask for it?

November 5, 2015 10:50 PM

If you were selling this thing on Craigslist, how would you describe it (like--what is it? what is its purpose? what era/style? etc.) and how much would you ask for it?
posted by HotToddy to Home & Garden (21 answers total)

I would call that a washstand or washstand vanity.
posted by trip and a half at 11:02 PM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: I think it's too tall to be a washstand--I'm 5'0" and the top shelf (the one you'd put a washbasin on if it were a washstand) is at about chest height. Also, it's kind of spindly. I mean, it's in good condition, but it was never a super sturdy piece of furniture.
posted by HotToddy at 11:16 PM on November 5, 2015

If it's the right height to stand in front of and to work on a laptop, perhaps you could get away with calling it an "antique standing desk only waiting for your laptop". If they go for this you might even charge a higher price because of the health benefits mentioned on wikipedia.
posted by KMB at 11:33 PM on November 5, 2015 [5 favorites]

I'm guessing: Antique Colonial-Style Buffet Sideboard Server Cabinet with Mirror.
posted by artdrectr at 11:47 PM on November 5, 2015 [2 favorites]

I'd call it a cabinet with a glass door and maybe you could claim it's Victorian-style? Price depends on how badly you want to get rid of it, what city you live in and the other listings on craigslist in your area (prices, how many, etc.). I'd ask like $50 and let people offer me less by saying "or best offer."
posted by AppleTurnover at 11:57 PM on November 5, 2015 [1 favorite]

Have you flipped it over and looked for a maker's mark? Because it might be worth more than you know... Sorry no guesses, but if you can identify the manufacturer that might give you some clues as to how to market it + the right asking price. Good luck!
posted by jbenben at 12:09 AM on November 6, 2015

A "tallboy" maybe? For use in a dining room: table linens could go into the bottom, plates/glasses in the open middle area, dishes being served sit on top.
posted by easily confused at 1:32 AM on November 6, 2015 [2 favorites]

Is that not a credenza? I've seen several things called "credenza" that look like that, but I'm not actually sure what the definition of one is.
posted by gloriouslyincandescent at 1:41 AM on November 6, 2015

Antique wood cabinet[whatever the best answer for "what" is, as confirmed by Google image search for those terms]. Lovely carving and turning. Glass door, bevelled mirror, original hardware. Richly lacquered, excellent condition.

Narrow footprint, great for small city spaces. Suitable for use as a bar, vanity, standing desk, curio display cabinet, etc; a unique and practical piece.

$200. Located in [etc]
posted by kmennie at 2:33 AM on November 6, 2015 [2 favorites]

Don't forget to put a bowl of fruit on it.
posted by Short Attention Sp at 5:18 AM on November 6, 2015 [9 favorites]

It looks a bit like Samantha's commode (American Girl doll). Not entirely, but I see similarities.
posted by Ms Vegetable at 5:41 AM on November 6, 2015

Best answer: I know a little bit about decorative arts from my work. This appears to be an Victorian (maybe Edwardian) music cabinet with mirror. It was used to store sheet music and accessories for music and the top surface was for lighting and attractive display (both enhanced by the mirror). Definitely list it under Craigslist Antiques (or at least cross-list it) and you might want to call it a Display Cabinet, as that might make a little more sense and suggest a contemporary use.
posted by Miko at 5:54 AM on November 6, 2015 [17 favorites]

Also, yeah, I'd say it would sell for more than $50 depending on where you are. It looks to be in great condition and it's a nice design. Since there's no disincentive to listing things multiple times on CL, if you have the time, start at at least $100 and see what happens. It's a pretty nice piece, and useful.
posted by Miko at 6:02 AM on November 6, 2015

Best answer: Miko's got it. It's a "music stand", and I have one from my grandparents.
I can dig out the last valuation if you'd like, but I *think* it was closer to $350(Can).
Drop me a memail if you want me to check.
posted by whowearsthepants at 7:24 AM on November 6, 2015 [2 favorites]

I think you should add other keywords, too, because this is something I could conceivably want or need but if I was looking for a desk or cabinet or sideboard I'd never click on an ad for a "music stand" because as a layperson it sounds like something else very specific.
posted by Room 641-A at 8:30 AM on November 6, 2015

Best answer: Antique mirrored sheet music cabinet.

Skinner's sold a simpler one than yours for $326 in 2009.
posted by Dragonness at 8:51 AM on November 6, 2015 [1 favorite]

Is it dark shiny wood or painted glossy black paint? If the latter, I'd at least halve the price and not bother to list it as an antique. If the former, posters who've suggested that it might be more valuable than you realize are right on the money. Especially if the finish is in good condition.
posted by Sara C. at 10:06 AM on November 6, 2015

Response by poster: Wow, I think it is indeed a sheet music cabinet! Never would have come up with that one on my own. Unfortunately, that seems to be glossy black paint on it. Bummer. So what do you think then--$200? $150?
posted by HotToddy at 10:45 AM on November 6, 2015

Oh, you live in Portland? I'd be surprised if you sell that thing for that much, but if you're not in a rush, list it and see if you get any offers. Maybe it will speak to someone with deeper pockets than the usual person on craigslist shopping for furniture. I think the best day to list is Sunday. Listing it on a Friday, no one will see it.
posted by AppleTurnover at 11:26 AM on November 6, 2015

Best answer: Bummer about the paint. But it's nicely carved, intact, and has nice hardware and a beveled mirror. I'd start it at $150 and see what happens. And I'd still list it as antique - it is one - just not in original finish (but have you seen some of the other stuff in that section)? Not everyone's a purist collector, so I think you might catch the eye of the kind of person looking for 'decorator antiques' to dress up a home, but not to re-create a period. Just be honest about the finish. If you can, get some detail shots to add - focus in on the hardware, carving, mirror - those always help.
posted by Miko at 11:30 AM on November 6, 2015

Response by poster: Sold! For $150. Thanks for all your help!
posted by HotToddy at 3:17 PM on November 7, 2015 [4 favorites]