Wondering if anyone can help….Recently came upon a John Widdicomb dining set and I am unsure what I want to do with it just yet. Tried researching and have not gotten far sorry to say. Hoping someone here might have some ideas?
Pictures attached. Based on my research so far, which of course is based on potentially erroneous info online 🙁 , here’s what I am thinking….this specific brass plate appears to have been used between 1974-1990. Based on design, I am assuming it is meant to be a reproduction of the Queen Anne Style but may have some Chippendale influences as well, perhaps a cross? I am leaning more towards Queen Anne personally. I’m also thinking mid-80’s due to the color scheme and fabric on the chairs which appear to be a microfiber/microsuede (assuming they were not reupholstered at some point?).
I discovered online that the company had created a “Treasures From Around The World” collection of antique hardwood reproductions, designed by Lucile Fickett in the 80’s which included both Queen Anne and Chippendale style pieces so might have been produced during this time? Apparently pieces in this line were numbered and affixed with a brass plate engraved with the buyer’s name, as well as an engrave plate marked “John Widdicomb Co.”. Table has the brass plate and this piece is indeed numbered underneath, #14. No plate for the ‘buyer’s name’ however but we did find a one inch area in the stain that suggests [i]something[/i] was attached there during staining process at one time, no idea what however.
Wondering if anyone has any ideas on the timeline of this piece? Also, we are struggling with the wood, identifying – it is definitely a solid hard wood but unsure what, could be mahogany or walnut? The table top appears to have a veneer of…..something? Perhaps mahogany and/or something else?Wworking to figure out what I can about the set as a whole but also determining some type of value. Would love to hear ideas!
Just curious but do you live somewhere close to a large metro area or a historical district ?? This table would fit well in an older home !! With the side chairs and two captains chairs and the length of the table I would list it at $3200. because it is a known mfr and the company did make top quality furniture !! If it does not sell you can consider lowering the price !! I do not think that amount would be out of line for this set providing the upholstery is in good condition !!
Try running an ad in the closest large town within driving distance or just use Craigslist !! I have sold large items on Craigslist with no problems !! Do keep in mind that the scammers will answer your ad too !! And if you do sell it on Craigslist or even your local newspaper always have someone with you when they pick it up !!
If you are not familiar with the lines the scammers use,, just ask here before doing anything !! They can be quite believable,,and then there are those that are completely off the wall stupid !! I listed a registered cutting horse once and they asked questions such as,, does he come with a cage?? And many didn`t even want to know about the horse just “will send a cashiers check for more than the horse cost,,please cash and return the remainder ” !! Those anyone can figure out !! Good luck with your sale !!
Thanks for such a quick response! It’s pretty big, 6 side chairs, 2 end arm chairs. Table is 6 feet long with 3 leaves that extends the total length to 11 feet. We are thinking of selling it for the exact reason you mentioned, younger couple and doesn’t fit our style. Sorry to hear it may or will be difficult to do so 🙁
Adding a new picture of the wood I have, not sure it will help but appreciate you looking 🙂 I believe it is indeed a book matched flame design as you mention, looked it up lol. Thank you for that! It has 3 triangle shapes on each side butted up against each other to create a pattern.
Well,, Widdicomb did make a quality line of furniture !! Yours is a Queen Anne style !! It is not uncommon to find a mixture of elements in reproduction furniture !! Could not see the top well because of the dinnerware on it !! But it looks like mahogany with a book matched flame mahogany veneer top !! Or at least thats what it looks like from the tiny corner I can see !! I would say you have it about right as to date/year !! Value is difficult !! Some prices are all over the board but none are selling !! The style may make it difficult to sell because Queen Anne just doesn`t fit in most modern homes !! Some of which do not even have formal dining rooms anymore !! How many pieces are in the set ??
