“Is It Worth It?”
“Will my piece of furniture lose value if it’s refinished?”
Most furniture constructed since the Civil War will not lose value if refinished. In many cases your item will appreciate faster if brought to its original beauty. However, there are exceptions. The first step an individual must take is to identify your item and to categorize it as historical or non-historical; see list below. Once your item has been categorized our staff of technicians will assist you in determining the best method of restoration or conservation. HISTORICAL (ITEMS OF MUSEUM VALUE) CATEGORIES - Master Paintings - Furniture (over 200 years old). - Pre-modern Artifacts - Historic Buildings - Pottery and Pottery over 500 years old - Valuable Paperwork NON-HISTORICAL (ITEMS OF AESTHETIC VALUE) CATEGORIES - Furniture (less than 200 years old) - Modern Porcelain & Pottery - Paintings - Modern Buildings - Collectibles - Reproductions
RESTORATION - return to a former state CONSERVATION - keep from decaying
Pictured Below: Chest of Drawers: constructed in the last half of the 19th century 269% INCREASE IN VALUE
Before Restoration Replacement Cost $1,300.00
After Restoration Replacement Cost $3,500.00
Pictured Below: Walnut Drop Front Desk; circa 1865
254% INCREASE IN VALUE
Before Restoration Replacement Cost $1,100.00
After Restoration Replacement Cost $2,800.00
Pictured Below: Mahogany Side Table; circa 1930
2,000% INCREASE IN VALUE
Before Restoration Replacement Cost $25.00
After Restoration Replacement Cost $500.00
***CAUTION*** Every item is unique and must be on a case by case basis. There are several items constructed since the Civil War that will lose value if not properly restored or conserved. Please contact our on staff ISA Accredited Appraiser with any additional questions dealing with value