Most of mahogany wood grows outside of the United States in Mexico and Guatemala. American Empire is a French-inspired Neoclassical style of American furniture and decoration that takes its name and originates from the Empire style introduced during the First French Empire period under Napoleon's rule. Any furniture piece with ornate carvings will add instant interest and drama. Many consumers today hold the perception that all of the mahogany furniture in their current possession, ever owned by their parents, or fit to be owned, is constructed of solid mahogany. If in one of those antique malls that the city people come and pay inflated prices for things, it may even for for $100-$120 … Peruse current listings to find out how much your furniture might be worth. The unique feature of mahogany is that it darkens with time. Furniture - Dining Sets - 1900-1950 Previous 1 2 Next >> 30 ' S Vintage Yellow Enamel Top Table - Retro Kitchen Expansion Table W Drawer 12 photo ... 50373 Antique Mahogany Shield Back Dining Room Set … Most of these chairs came in pairs and were made in mahogany, such as this example, or in oak. that has been widely substituted for South American mahogany. The good news here is that through these modern technological conveniences the stability problem of mahogany is checked. It is worth noting that Chinese furniture varies dramatically from one dynasty to the next. Color – Reddish-brown to blood red. Musical instruments such as violins, guitars, and pianos can be made of mahogany as this hardwood helps create a warmer tone than other hardwoods. - ANTIQUE DUNCAN PHYFE TABLE AND 6 CHAIRS, MAHOGANY, 1940S. Subscribe to our monthly emails to be the first to receive the latest updates on new furniture arrivals and store sales. You can browse through the furniture by manufacturer name or the type of piece to get an idea of its value. Mahogany Boats because of its grain, mahogany keeps the water where it should be – on the outside of the boat. Determining the value of Chippendale-style furniture can be difficult. If the piece of furniture is very dirty or encrusted with wax, clean it first with a mixture of denatured alcohol, white vinegar, and kerosene, in equal parts. With respect to American mahogany furniture made during the first half of the 20th Century, manufacturers would place the mahogany veneer over a solid hardwood core constructed of a wood which did not have the stability problem to the degree of mahogany. Chances are that this isn’t wax, though. So, given an unchecked stability factor alone, many consider veneered pieces by such manufacturers as Kittinger, Kindel, and the original Century Furniture Company – some of the highest quality furniture in the history of mankind – to be far superior to any solid mahogany furniture ever made. Fine pieces are often crafted with this hardwood. Or, rather than using South American mahogany, many furniture … Berkey & Gay mass-produced furniture in virtually all styles, their Victorian Rococo, Renaissance Revival, Empire, and Eastlake pieces being very large in scale, making use of walnut, mahogany … 1. Did the high cost and stability problem of solid mahogany have an impact on manufacturers? Baker Furniture Mahogany Hepplewhite Drop Leaf Lamp End Table. $2,800.00. A mahogany tree, which takes up to 25 years to reach full maturity, likes the salty air and moist soil as in the Southern coastal areas. In American pieces of the late 1800’s, flat boards are typically warped in a U-shape. Some furniture is made with mahogany veneers rather than solid mahogany to limit the use of mahogany. As a result, it is a popular choice for furniture. The purpose of this paper, then, is to provide the discriminating buyer a perspective on the issue such that a contientious decision can be reached regarding the type merchandise sought. The most common antique furniture mahogany material is wood. Mahogany furniture can be solid hardwood or plywood veneer. Most of these chairs came in pairs and were made in mahogany, such as this example, or in oak. We’re Going on a ‘Safari’ at Home, How to Decorate a Room in the Farmhouse Style, All About Brazilian Ipe Wood and Tree Species. 55.25ʺW × 16.25ʺD × 78.75ʺH Harrisonville, MO Casegoods & Storage > Storage Cabinets & Cupboards Free Shipping Antique Sheraton Style American Mahogany … Mahogany is such a luxurious material for furniture that practically anything made from it is worth keeping in top-notch condition. Another variety, African mahogany, is usually more expensive but is similar enough in appearance to genuine mahogany that the distinction between African and genuine is sometimes ignored. The first step in setting the price of an antique mahogany dining room set begins with identifying the maker or its age. Or, rather than using South American mahogany, many furniture makers have turned to other species with similar properties. As mahogany only grows in tropical environs, the cost of the wood escalates over the cost of domestic woods given the additive expenses of shipping and importing. Phoenix Furniture - Mahogany Dining Room Set - how much is it worth? Victorian Mahogany Antique Bookcase . Mahogany is one of the most popular hardwood tropical trees. What is an Early American Mahogany Chippendale Desk Worth? The date and maker, as well as the condition, rarity, and ornate details will all factor into what a single chair, table, chest, or mirror of this popular style will sell for. Bohemians antique furniture sold an early American Chippendale style desk in September of 2019 for about $1600. Given the natural growth of the wood in that country and an extremely low labor cost, this furniture can be acquireD for a mere fraction of the cost of American-made mahogany-veneered particle board. Not all South American mahogany is harvested illegally, and you can ethically buy genuine South American mahogany pieces if you look for evidence that renewable harvesting practices were used. Mengel man mahogany furniture. If you cannot find furniture at an auction, pay attention to whether businesses are buying whole estates—you may be able to strike a side deal with them on the mahogany furniture you like. It is the most popular among hardwood tropical trees. … An estimated 80% of the mahogany furniture manufactured in Indonesia has not been kiln-dried. The success with which Indonesian mahogany has sold in America has prompted importers to pursue other foreign markets in recent years. We have an antique dining room set that we are considering selling. It’s in with the old if you want to tap in to 2017’s trend for mahogany furniture. Premium woods, such as mahogany, will fetch higher prices than run-of-the-mill wood species. Its reddish brown color naturally gave it a fine cabinet wood look that the queen couldn’t help but fall in love with. Typical woods used for this purpose were fruitwood or gumwood and, to a lesser extent, poplar. African mahogany is a different species entirely, but it has a very similar appearance and working properties, and it is not an endangered species. Solid mahogany pieces of furniture fetch a much higher price than furniture crafted with mahogany veneer, however, those pieces are also quite sought after. A quick and easy-to-use calculator to determine the approximate value of used furniture! Finishes rarely last as long as the wood they protect, but a dull finish … With respect to American mahogany furniture made during the first half of the 20th Century, manufacturers would place the mahogany veneer over a solid hardwood core constructed of a wood which did not have the stability problem to the degree of mahogany… This has not changed. It is notoriously difficult to figure out how much used furniture is worth. €5688. What's A Vintage Mahogany Inlaid Hall Table Worth? This furniture has already lasted through 50 years or more of normal use; may be refinished any number of times; appreciates in value over time; and will still outlive our grandchildren. Large antique shows or flea markets, such as the Brimfield Market held annually in Connecticut, are excellent places to search for discounts, bargains, and sales. With lots of pieces from this period, quality was still visible as super timbers were used like walnut, mahogany … Mahogany comes in various strait grains, called different names like Cuban which is a dense solid and usually dark in colour, often used in Georgian pieces or more figured grains like flamed or fiddle back. So if you have budget limits (and don't we all? On a scale of 1.00, the 45 different species of mahogany are said to have an average .83 absorption factor – after it has been kiln dried! However, if these pieces are ever removed from such a controlled environment, the stability issues will become a problem (again). Some of the early pieces used red cedar on the sides and ends of drawers to deter moths and insects. What's A Vintage Mahogany Inlaid Hall Table Worth? There are pros and cons between each product, with either one coming out on top depending on the applications of the furniture. (In a few instances, some use plywood.) Architectural & Salvage Art Ceramics Furniture Glassware Jewellery Silver. $689.00. $6898. Add to this the higher cost of the more exotic and desirable variants of the wood (“flame” or “crotch”, “tiger-stripe”, or “ribbon” mahogany) which may be found in as little as 5% of any given tree, and the final price of the wood can become exorbitant. What's A Vintage Mahogany Inlaid Hall Table Worth? The Association, which operated in the early- to mid-20th century, was created to help buyers distinguish between solid mahogany pieces and other woods stained to look like mahogany. Plywood veneer and solid mahogany … Additionally, Indonesian solid mahogany furniture is popularly finished with a formaldehyde compound (illegal in America) which “burns” into the wood to give it a hand-rubbed appearance. It is less of a problem in turned pieces such as chairs. Haggling is a skill and to the victor goes the best furniture. The density, quality and affordability of … Columbus’ ship is said to have had veneered pieces aboard (a fact which did NOT contribute to the ship’s sinking during its second voyage to the New World). What it’s worth now: $2,700 According to its website , Shreve, Crump & Low—founded in 1796—is "America's oldest purveyor of fine gifts." This Old House says mahogany can be the most expensive wood on the market , and some people will pay up to $28 … So a Janka rating is an average of … The first step in setting the price of an antique mahogany dining room set begins with identifying the maker or its age. Find it in the original finish, and you'll more than … - Solid Mahogany Bookcase Shelf Display Etagere Cupboard Victorian Style 1504. Desks of this caliber can range from $1000 to $6000 depending on the condition, style, and any historical provenance with supporting evidence. Berkey & Gay mass-produced furniture in virtually all styles, their Victorian Rococo, Renaissance Revival, Empire, and Eastlake pieces being very large in scale, making use of walnut, mahogany and burled veneer panels. Chinese ornamentation is highly inspired by paintings, including: bamboo trees, chrysanthemums, waterlilies, irises, magnolias, flowers and branches of cherry, apple, apricot and plum, or elongated bamboo leaves. When I was 10, I had this balsam wood turtle. Can someone give us an estimate of what it might be worth? Everyone else uses mahogany veneer on their case pieces. The downside to these type of pieces is today people like the crappy furniture that is being sold and are not always willing to pay for the good stuff. ), it's a good idea to be thoughtful when selecting mahogany furniture pieces. Of those manufacturers who specialized in all solid mahogany furniture during the first half of the 1900’s, not a single one is in existence today. research. Common Uses – High-end furniture, … However, looking up the value of antique furniture can be a misleading experience, especially when your knowledge is limited. Categories ... 19th Century inlaid mahogany kidney shaped desk with a wonderful provenance. Mainly used in musical instruments was Honduras from Central America and was the ideal wood for carving. The hardness of wood varies with the direction of the wood grain, and varies from piece to piece. Since 2003, most mahogany items sold in the U.S. are derived from the African … Or more precisely, what is used as the core beneath a mahogany veneer surface. The color darkens over time. Thomasville Furniture Company is a furniture company which primarily specialized in chair production before expanding its catalog drastically over the next several decades due to the company’s initial success. Classic wood furniture pieces are generally worth the time, expense, and energy to restore them, and they might just go up in value as time goes on. When in doubt, ask the salesperson if the wood used is restricted South American mahogany or if it is African mahogany or another species. Valued at: $125 *The estimates provided are preliminary only and subject to change based on firsthand inspection and further research. Mahogany is known for its tendency to be the second most common wood to drop, and used to buy Whitecrest's premium cargo. Consequently, truckloads of mahogany furniture … 3. The term mahogany is slightly confusing since it is today used to refer both to genuine South American mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) as well as an African species (Khaha spp.) Fortunately, there are some guidelines that you can use when pricing your furniture. As a result, this “green wood” shrinks, cracks, and splits as it dries over a period of three to 10 years. This Old House says mahogany can be the most expensive wood on the market, and some people will pay up to $28 per board foor for a Cuban or West Indian mahogany board. In older furniture such as English Georgian case pieces from the 1800’s, this process commonly results in fissures along grain lines on tops, doors, or sides. Because the trees are large, the boards used in woodworking can be very wide. Rosewood, mahogany, bird's eye maple veneer, marble, ormolu, and leather. Furniture, such as a mahogany conference table, can cost $250 to $1,200. There are 1779 antique furniture mahogany for sale on Etsy, and they cost $564.63 on average. Today, it is the African mahogany that is most often sold and used, but older furniture pieces often feature genuine South American mahogany. For the uneducated buyer, this process tends to disappoint and disillusion them on the quality of (well-made) mahogany furniture. Desks of this caliber … While some educated consumers are willing to accept the knowledge that they are going to roast marshmallows with the furniture in a matter of time, with the intent of replacing it with the same merchandise inexpensively. We know what you’re thinking, ‘New Year, new you’, ‘out with the old…’ Stop right there. When it comes to buying furniture, getting the right materials is a very big piece of the puzzle. Premium woods, such as mahogany… I. Mahogany . Philip Hunt Antiques. info. And a lot of old furniture is very big [and] you might not get those Regency pieces up the stairs in Mayfair.” Size matters. Mahogany is a pinkish or reddish-brown type of wood commonly used in furniture. Find similar antique furniture values in print. As a final note, no discussion of solid mahogany furniture is complete without mentioning imported furniture. Density – Medium texture and moderately heavy. Just like the designs themselves, some furniture materials are beautiful, some are trendy, and some are classic. Look in the paint section in the hardware store or online. Some furniture manufacturers, such as IKEA, have chosen not to sell furniture made from mahogany for this very reason. Some furniture manufacturers, such as IKEA, have chosen not to sell furniture made from mahogany for this very reason. Make Offer. The wood itself is the final clue. If you own valuable antique furniture, you may want to list it separately for insurance purposes. Some one was looking for a handle. Typically, the insurance value of an antique item is the highest … For one, mahogany is an expensive wood. The stability problem of mahogany most frequently affects the planed (flat) surfaces found in case pieces. Harder woods create good, solid long-lasting joinery in furniture. This Victorian mahogany bookcase has glazed sliding doors enclosing adjustable shelves. Since 2003, when the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) listed South American mahogany on its list of endangered species, African mahogany has been the most widely used substitute. Consider adding a few mahogany accent pieces, such as a sofa table or nightstands in mahogany if you have a limited budget or if the rooms of your home are decorated in different styles. What is an Early American Mahogany Chippendale Desk Worth? Such a perception is, at best, highly unlikely. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. If you are buying antique furniture and want to make sure you are getting real South American mahogany, look for a decal that denotes “genuine mahogany” issued by the Mahogany Association. Among the woods marketed as mahogany are sapele, utile, Spanish cedar, and, most commonly, Khaya (African mahogany). $2,499.99. Cherry furniture (typically in a modern or ‘Shaker’ style) is most prevalent on the west coast, and Indian-style (often referred to as the “Aztec” look) is sought in the southwest. While a very strong wood, mahogany has the highest rate of absorption of humidity from the air of any wood used in the construction of furniture. But, if it were at a vintage auction, closer to $60. Because of the historical problems associated with solid mahogany (not the least of which is the wood being more expensive than ever), there exists only one large scale manufacturer of solid mahogany furniture today: Henkel-Harris. Consider purchasing it secondhand from an estate sale, antique show, or vintage flea market. Best of all, mahogany furniture is extremely durable. The issue is whether the furniture is new or old. Very early furniture -- before 1700 -- is mostly oak, but from 1700 on, mahogany … Bohemians antique furniture sold an early American Chippendale style desk in September of 2019 for about $1600. Another variety -- Philippine, also known as lauan or meranti -- is a cheaper version of mahogany. I also have a matching small desk w/glass top. Whatever species is used, mahogany is known for having a pleasing straight, fine grade and is fairly free of defects and knots. Mahogany serves well in the carpentry world in making furniture and various handicraft items. ... Furniture is a popular choice for mahogany. Over-harvesting and illegal logging in parts of the Peruvian Amazon and elsewhere plague the industry. However, you should be aware that there is still a troubling worldwide trade in South American mahogany logged illegally from rain forests, and when buying new furniture, it's a good idea to verify that the wood used comes from approved sources. Some furniture is made with mahogany veneers rather than solid mahogany to limit the use of mahogany. If this is a moral issue for you, there are options, such as making sure your furniture uses African mahogany or South American mahogany that is FSC certified. However, in furniture as in any other commodity, one “gets what they pay for.”. There are pieces that sell for thousands or even millions of dollars, while others go for under $1,000. 2. The following sites sell or hold auctions for antique furniture on a regular basis: eBay; Ruby Lane; Go Antiques; TIAS; Appraising Your Antique Furniture for Insurance. If you’re lucky enough to have mahogany lying around, know that this kind of wood is prized for carpentry and furniture … In my area, at a general auction this would probably go for around $40. Mahogany is typically very smooth in texture, with few knots or voids, making it a desirable type of wood aesthetically, and easy to work with when building furniture … Other certification programs also exist from other members of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Unfortunately, the development of controlled environments has not changed the way mahogany furniture is made. As a point of fact, most manufactured mahogany case pieces (tables, sideboards, chests, and the like), new or old, are made of mahogany veneer — a process purposely used by the manufacturers. It is flanked by lion carved pilasters above two drawers supported by … Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Dining room tables and armoires made of mahogany are excellent investments since these large pieces draw immediate attention. £ 5250. I have a 2-piece china cabinet, mahogany, w/upper glass doors for sale. If the buyer can ensure a controlled environment and afford the additional cost, solid mahogany furniture (old is less expensive than new) is clearly the selection to make. Plywood veneer is often used as a cheaper alternative to solid hardwood. There are so many factors that go into determining antique furniture values, which is why so many people make costly mistakes. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on price. All these properties make mahogany a favorite wood species for all manner of woodworking and furniture-making. In most cases, mahogany veneer furniture manufactured in the first half of the 1900’s will have a hardwood core of some type. Antique 5 Piece Bedroom Suite Mahogany & Walnut Stencil and Inlay Vintage Furnit. Good shape. When used to create tools, weapons, ships, and cannons, Mahogany will change the color of the wood to its reddish-orange color, and will give the item the "Fine" prefix (Not … The first use of veneers – thin pieces of wood or other materials glued over something else – has been attributed to the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. It is relatively free of voids and pockets. Louisville Ky. My dad worked there in the 1950's. There is controversy surrounding the harvesting of mahogany for purposes of crafting furniture. Because of these factors, most mahogany case pieces are made of mahogany veneer. Be aware that any furniture or lumber marketed as "Philippine mahogany" is not true mahogany, but rather lauan—a material derived from a different family of plants, not hardwood mahogany trees. Grain – Straight. But as an accent piece, a touch of mahogany here and there can also add a measure of warmth, life, and depth to a contemporary room designed in cool neutrals. Have something to value in Antique Furniture?Get your valuation in three simple steps! (In a few instances, lesser quality manufacturers used plywood.) $495.00. If you’re lucky enough to have mahogany lying around, know that this kind of wood is prized for carpentry and furniture-making, so you may be better off selling it to someone who will make good use of it in that fashion. It is extraordinarily difficult to ever refinish this furniture (particle board absorbs chemical strippers and permanently swells, while sand stripping runs a high risk of veneer damage); depreciates in value over time; and may not survive the next handling by movers without turning back into sawdust. Chairs, tables, and other home furnishings crafted with mahogany will last a lifetime and should be considered an investment. This durable hardwood has long been used to make some of the finest furniture in the world, which means that it is also among some of the more expensive furniture to buy. Although the original company has since closed, furniture production under the company name has continued in several forms. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. You could … It isn’t. 1.4 million. Mahogany furniture is very expensive. And older pieces which have already experienced some of these problems will experience no further degradation. There is a wheat engraving on top. Mahogany wood is prized for its beauty, durability, and color. That’s because most current products are self cleaning and they don’t leave a build up. This makes it an excellent choice for classic, traditional room designs, where the timeless beauty of the wood lends an air of elegance and sophistication. The most popular color? Mahogany's reddish-brown color tends to darken over time, and when polished, it produces a very attractive reddish shine.