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Several months ago at an auction I purchased this set: a settee, 1 gentleman's chair, 1 rocker and 2 smaller chairs at an auction. The auctioneer advertised it as "empire" I didn't put to much stock into that information.(I maybe wrong) I fell in love with the set and bought it for about $1600. It came out of an old plantation home here in Perdido Key, Ive taken it to 1 appraiser, 2 antique dealers, and have asked the 2 antique furniture experts on allexperts.com and nobody could tell me any history on these pieces. Not to mention the hours going through "google images" trying to find something close. I know alot of empire has simple straight lines, these pieces are very ornate, bulky, almost gothic.
All pieces are in very good condition, there is a couple of spots on the fabric. I want to have them reupholstered anyway, but I would like to know some information prior to getting them reupholstered.
I cant find any stamps, markings, etc for identification. They seem to be solid mahogany.
Any information will be grateful.
Note: The Gentleman's Chair is the same size as the rocking chair, I don't have a picture of that chair yet>
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Collector Discussion
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Re: Empire Settee set? Any information will be grateful.
I don't know why anyone who'd been in the Antique business for any length of time could not have determined from one look that these are not Empire Period pieces ( 1815-40). They are "Empire Revival", later reproductions based on the Empire Style . Most of these are still antique, but tend to postdate 1900. This style is not currently very popular and values for it are ratrher modest, even genuine Empire is a hard sell these days. Here's a link for you to give you an idea of the current market:
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/search?q=empire+revival&sort=relevance&dtype=gallery&type=complete&rows=20
Re: Empire Settee set? Any information will be grateful.
Lovejoy hit the nail on the head on this one as they always seem to do with furniture. It is very disappointing to hear that "furniture experts" couldn't tell you these are in the style of later pieces. It is even more disappointing to observe the crash of the prices commanded for most antique furniture recently.
In reply to Re: Empire Settee set? Any information will be grateful. by Lovejoy
Re: Empire Settee set? Any information will be grateful.
Thank you both Lovejoy and fishwhacker for the information, I was really curious about the history of the this furniture. Im glad I finally found out! Thanks you both.