Dresser

Would love an estimate of what this might be made of and how much it might be worth.

Item Description: This is a tall, elegant dresser featuring six drawers and a dark wood finish. The dresser stands approximately 52 inches high, 35 inches wide, and 16.5 inches deep. Its distinguishing features include beautifully cast brass drawer pulls with an urn motif, a brass gallery edging on the top surface, and fluted accents along the front corners. One drawer is missing a bolt for a screw, and there are superficial nicks present, consistent with age-related wear.

Category: Furniture

Medium: Dark wood (likely mahogany or a mahogany-stained hardwood) with brass hardware

Wood Identification: Based on visual inspection of the provided images:

• The deep reddish-brown tone with a subtle sheen is characteristic of mahogany, a favored hardwood in fine furniture-making.
• The tight, straight grain pattern and the way the wood reflects light suggest it could either be solid mahogany or a high-quality mahogany veneer.
• Cherry is another possibility due to its similar aging characteristics but generally shows a warmer red tone and slightly more visible grain variation.
• Walnut is less likely given the dresser’s relatively uniform coloration and finer grain.

In conclusion, the most likely wood used is mahogany, or a mahogany-stained veneer over a hardwood core like poplar or birch, both commonly used in 20th-century furniture.

Condition: Good overall. Structurally intact. Hardware is original. Minor surface imperfections and one missing bolt on a drawer pull. Brass elements show some natural patina.

Date Period: While exact dating is challenging without a maker’s mark, this piece likely dates from the mid-20th century, possibly during a revival of Federal or Neoclassical styles popular in upscale American furniture of the 1940s–1960s.

Distinguishing Features:

• Brass gallery top
• Urn motif brass pulls, possibly cast by hand (minor inconsistencies between pulls)
• Fluted corners
• Elegant proportions and craftsmanship

Value Estimate (As of 2025): Given its quality, style, and materials, similar pieces on the retail market (vintage and antique dealers or online platforms) typically range from $400 to $800, depending on regional demand and condition. Auction prices may vary and tend to be lower, around $200 to $400

Recommendations:

• A professional appraisal is recommended if you're considering resale, especially to high-end antique dealers or interior designers.
• Replacing the missing bolt will help maintain both function and value.
• Avoid aggressive refinishing, as original patina and finishes are often preferred in the vintage market.

Summary: This is a well-crafted, vintage chest of drawers likely made from mahogany or a similar hardwood with classic brass hardware. It embodies high-quality mid-century revival design and holds moderate market value. With minor restoration, it can remain both a functional and decorative piece for decades to come.