 | Jerry McAlpin
is President and owner of Annie's Antique Mall located at 1600 E. 61st Street North (61st street & Hydraulic) in Park City, Kansas. Annie's is the area's oldest mall, and is known by antique dealers and collectors nationwide for it's consistent high quality and selection. A dealer and avid collector, Jerry has been involved in antiques for 30 years. He can be reached by phone at Annie's Antique Mall (316)-744-1999. |
Antiques & Collectibles
2003-06-01 10:13:00
19th century cupboard
: I have enjoyed reading your answers in The Q & A Times. I am wondering about an article I have and its value. It is a dainty mid 19th century French painted corner cupboard. This cupboard is painted a pale green, with gilt trim, and daintily painted roses. There are corresponding roses on the doors of the cabinet below, and there are locks on both doors with the original key. This cupboard measures 77" tall, with a 26" front, 3" corners, and 16" back to a 2" corner. The inside dimensions are 13" deep. There is a crown molding around the top, and arched doors, with original glass and 15 lights. The two recessed panel doors on the bottom are 23" tall, with the molded step-down base measuring 7". There is one shelf that has been added in the bottom which is removable but sits on fixed molding, and there are three curved shelves which are adjustable, and which have been added. This is a small corner cupboard which would be used for one or two special pieces of china or figurines per shelf. The wide plank boards seen on the back of the cupboard are unfinished. What do you think it's worth?
ANSWER: Corner cupboards are very practical pieces of furniture, introduced around 1750. They were made in several styles and from different woods. The "kitchen" type usually from oak or pine, and the more elaborate living or drawing room cupboards from mahogany. Oddly enough, the most sought-after are early 1800's country "federal" style cupboards from Pennsylvania, which will sell for upwards of $5,000. It's a little hard to tell from the photo, but your cupboard is probably mid to late 19th century French. Some of these will list for up to $2,000, but the size and additions to yours hurt it's value somewhat. I think a realistic value for your corner cupboard would be in the $500-$750 range.
