When I owned my retail antiques business, I tried to devote some furniture inventory for first time homebuyers that were new to antiques. They wanted to incorporate items into their decorating style and wanted to be different. They sought value and wanted functional items that they liked and appreciated. These buyers were on the younger side and most likely the bulk of their income went to mortgage and vehicle payments, childcare and utilities. They did not have money to burn.
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Drawn to items from the early 20th century, I was often questioned about the mixing of different woods, styles, condition and history. Major concerns were wear and tear, appearance and finish. Some items of interest had been refinished while others showed decades of surface wear and sun fade. Why is this table less expensive? Does refinishing hurt the value? Can we order these in walnut?
To certain individuals these questions would be amusing. However, I viewed any query as being valid. After all, I wanted to help my customers. There were no silly questions, only silly people that wouldn’t ask. I always suggested that they buy what they could budget, liked and would use. They could take liberties with style, woods, colors and themes. They had to please themselves, not tradition or rules.
Certainly condition and any of the above mentioned factors could affect value. The mass-produced American and English furniture from 1900 to 1940 is still abundant, in overall good condition, very functional and in many cases, less expensive than many new items intended for the same use.
Frequently, I pointed out nice, sound pieces that had worn out finishes, cosmetic damage or lacked luster. They were bargain candidates for refinishing or in some cases, a coat of paint. Yes, it is correct to refinish or paint a piece that has issues unless it has great importance, in which case it belongs in a museum. (If in doubt, consult an expert.) If the piece was left in the “as-is” state, it would most likely end up in the garage doomed as a workbench, or worse.
Although some people think they buy for investment purposes, I often recommend they purchase to use. Many vintage item are great finds and buys. These pieces, large or small, may provide years of service, in both decorative and functional manners. If treated well and properly cared for, after years of use these items may be sold for a profit. Coupled with their many years of use, these finds were not bad for a used bargain.
Terry Sonntag is a long time collector, dealer, consultant, accredited appraiser, student of antiques and fine arts and is currently working with COC in the Community Extensions Program facilitating seminars in Antiques Appreciation.
For more information, please call 661-478-8935 or view his web site at www.scantiques101.com