Antique China Questions About Antique China Cabinets

Posted in Antique Store on 07/26/2011 04:05 pm by Ling

Helen asks…

Antique China Cabinet..Will It Crack If It Is Against The Baseboard Heater?

I had an armoir (sp?) that was brand new amish made in my bedroom and I (stupidly) put it against the floorboard heat....It was fresh wood and the heat put a big crack down the side... As for my antique china cabinet I was wondering if it would be safe to put against the heatboard....since the wood is already old and dry (my great great grandfather made it)...do you think it would crack as well? I am rearranging my dining room and there is a certain wall I really want to put it against....Thanks.....

Ling answers:

This is yours and not mine but if it were mine I would not put it up against the heat nor would I put it a 1/8 inch away. It is easy to say that you can do this but the truth is that we all live in different parts of the country and the moisture factor is different for all of us. This is a wonderful piece of furniture to have and treasure I would not take the chance of something happening to it. Wood as you have learned holds moisture new wood has a base of moisture in it but in an area where there is a lot of humidity that furniture will also have a moisture in it, ergo it becomes like new wood again.

Jenny asks…

Where can I find info on how to date and price my antique Buffet and china cabinet?

I need something free and online. I just need to know where to go to research items.

Ling answers:

Ebay is a great help in this....

Http://popular.ebay.com/ns/Antiques/Antique-china-cabinets.html

http://www.collectorsweekly.com/furniture/cabinets/auctions

Donald asks…

Where can I find antique dealers who sell radius glass for china and curio cabinets?

Ling answers:

Do you need one of these?

Http://www.vandykes.com/product/02234998/

Radius glass supply:

http://www.vandykes.com/product/02353927/

http://www.bendheimcabinetglass.com/

http://www.middlefieldglass.com/prelead.htm

Daniel asks…

I have inherited an antique china cabinet/hutch?

Drawer handles stamped 1855
a number 3 inscribed on bottom edge of door
has a metal in the drawer with Empire LTD; Rockford, Illinois
Made of mahogany or cherry
Any ideas about this company and the piece's value. Its in excellent shape.

I have googled the company name. All I can find is that it was still in business in 1920.

here is a photo link:

http://s884.photobucket.com/albums/ac44/bandtlawler/

Ling answers:

I'm still looking, but having found this...

Http://answers.yahoo.com/question/answer?qid=20091108222350AAEdOXG

and following the link given there to Rockford Illinois, and looking over the pieces the folks there are showing and asking about, I'm inclined to think that what you have is prettty 'high end' and valuable... So don't sell!!!... At least not until you get good solid confirmation of it's value... This is one for Antiques Roadshow!....

Look here...

Http://uantique.com/china_cabinets.htm

they sell cheaper than others that I've seen.... Most are going for one thousand to two thousand that are even close to yours.... The thing is, I can't get a time period to match.... The 1855's aren't even close.. That's Federal brass... Dentil at the top (is there a pediment up there, too?), gothic arches and lovely wood figures... Almost a composite of several periods???......

I have a feeling only someone really well versed in Illinois furniture will be able to tell you much about it.....

Ken asks…

what's the best way to move a china cabinet and antique tea cups across wyoming (very bumpy ride).???

Ling answers:

Take out the tea cups and wrap them individually in either news print, or wash cloths....and wrap the china cabinet, in thick movers blankets...away from the tea cups...

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