skip to main content

Antiques & Collectibles

About how much can I get for these chairs, please?

14 years ago

My DH and I paid $110 for four of these chairs at an antique shop 35 years ago. The dealer called them "low-back ladderbacks." We never used them, so they're in the same condition they were then: in need of new seats.

They look small to me, but I just measured and found they're only a couple of inches shorter overall than my dining chairs, and no lower in the seat.

I'd like to sell them without putting a lot of effort into it, but am unsure whether I should approach a dealer or attempt to sell them on Craigslist. What do you recommend? If I do the former, I don't want to accept the first offer I get without having a rough idea of what they're worth.

Thanks for your help, experts! If you need a better picture, or closer views, let me know and I'll take some more.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

palimpsest
14 years ago
My opinion is if you went through a dealer, probably less than your mom paid 35 years ago, since they would have to make a profit. If you sold them on CL or eBay, maybe $25 each. This type of thing commands pretty low prices even at my local auction house, because they are relatively plentiful and not all that confortable by modern standards--people are too big for them now.
0
lindac
14 years ago
I think they are great old chairs!!
Do they all match?
I don't think youa re going to finance a trip to Europe....but think they ought to be easily worth $40 each....very nice old charming, country ladderback chairs!
Linda C
0
Related Discussions
Part of Fig don't care about to much-How about you
Q
Comments (24)
Paul and mjmisgka concerning "my special soil mix". It's material that I can get easily from a friend of mine who owns a small organic farm and nursery just a block from my home. I can't say that this mix has or provides any special effects on the trees but using it through the years I can't complain. Depending on the amount I need at the time the amounts of each ingredient varies. If I am using my large contractors wheelbarrow then I use three buckets full of the Mircle Grow potting soil like in the photos above. CanÂt forget that I also add two shovels of old (aged) sheep manure. To that I add one full bucket of course sand two buckets of mushroom soil and a half of bag of the planting mix (large bag) that my nursery friend sells. I don't recall the name of it but it is a mixture of fine and course particles. Almost like small pieces of bark. He usually sells out of that very quickly in early spring. That's the reason I have none on hand at this time. I do also add a shovel full of fast acting lime and using that shovel I mix it all together. That is enough mix for one twenty gallon tub plus a couple of small containers that I might need filling for trees that need to be moved to a little larger size container. Hope this answers your question. Lou NE., PA
...See More
Ugh -- I hate assumptions about how much money we have
Q
Comments (65)
Of course, there are people who are naturally rude. And there are people who are tired; who are stressed over a family member's illness; who are simply preoccupiedby how their child may get home from soccer practice. And there are people who simply are not good at their jobs. Let's deal with them when they may be encountered. These are the exceptions, not the common rule of everyday contact. And if these are one's common everyday contact, there may be another problem entirely. It sounds as if the issue may be respect. When it comes to respect, however, there's a simple and basic truth: respect is never given away, it's always earned. No one is "entitled" to respect. And the first step in earning respect is to always give respect. That means in one's dress, manner, communications and habits. For example, one certainly doesn't earn or give respect by being in a bank for a mortgage wearing a tank top, shorts and flip-flops, now do they? For those who are young and/or look youthful, congratulations! You will be the envy of your peer group for years to come. If you want to be taken seriously, then be serious. Earn respect by giving respect. For some at least, earning respect is as simple as courteously giving it to others through how one appears, presents and conducts oneself. For example, when was the last time you said "yes, mam" or "yes, sir"? This discussion seems like a lot about a little. It seems like something that would be discussed in an affluent region of a developed nation and no where else. Only a thought.
...See More
How much should I expect to spend on a chair & ottoman?
Q
Comments (2)
Tracy, just as mentioned, the frame is the most important starting point. It should be hardwood; minimum 1" thick. A solid hardwood frame with double-doweled joinery is much stronger than a plywood frame with mortise and tenon joinery. But its been a common misconception that todays 8-way hand tied coil springs is the best. Actually a well engineered 8-gauge standard sinuous no-sag springs is more durable and comfortable. At a much lower costs than the other. This is where you can get the best value in upholstery. From this point what drives the price up is the fabric. Their are many fabrics to choose from that provides comfort and is durable without breaking the bank. The best value is to always buy directly from the manufacture. This will easily save you 50%. Their is no reason why you cant find what your looking for under $1200. Here is a link that might be useful: buy directly from a manufacturer
...See More
Please help determine what this grass is and how I can get rid of it
Q
Comments (6)
crabgrass starts out as small clumps - just like shown on last photo. It quickly gets larger and eventually puts out many many seeds. this would be my guess in this case. It is easily pulled (when young) with very thin roots (another good indicator). Recommend pulling before it puts down more seed. Otherwise a weed killer with Quinclorac will hurt/kill it (not sure about Bermuda safe... or not?) Quackgrass on the otherhand spreads by underground roots/rhizomes... can form some dense areas with thick bright green blades (reminds me of st aug. grass)
...See More
Related Professionals
Woodbury Furniture & Accessories · Chino Hills Furniture & Accessories · Woodstock Painters · Bremerton Painters · Dedham Painters · Elyria Painters · Huntington Park Painters · Neenah Painters · Revere Painters · Portland Furniture & Accessories · Rochester Furniture & Accessories · Greenwood Village Furniture & Accessories · Park Ridge Furniture & Accessories · Riverton Furniture & Accessories · Deptford Professional Organizers
texasredhead
14 years ago
Recaining chairs is not a cheap process and could easily cost what Linda thinks the chairs are worth. You can, of course, sell the chairs as is, but it will probably reduce the selling price.
0
alisande
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, everyone. I will definitely sell the chairs as is; I have no intention of tackling those seats in any manner. At the time we bought them, I had thoughts of using Shaker tapes. And at that time I thought the chairs were great. But I don't feel the same about them today. They look so much smaller than I remembered.

Yes, they all match. I might try Craigslist first, but without much expectation of success. This is not a densely populated area. But we'll see.
0
blueheron
14 years ago
Dealers don't pay much for antiques. When we moved, we took some items to an auction house. Most of the buyers were dealers and we didn't get very much for anything. Our family had a child's painted rocking chair that was given as a Christmas gift in 1941! I don't think it went for much more than $15 or so. I was surprised that it brought so little. If we would have had the room, I would have definitely kept it.

What you need are collectors who will pay a better price. I don't know if CL is a better place to sell them or not.
0

Related Stories

STUDIOS AND WORKSHOPS Your Space Can Help You Get Down to Work. Here's How

By Laura Gaskill

Feed your creativity and reduce distractions with the right work surfaces, the right chair, and a good balance of sights and sounds

PETS What Chihuahuas Can Teach Us About Interior Design

By Mitchell Parker

Who knew these tiny dogs could be such a huge fount of design tips? Houzzers did

HOME TECH What Chipotle and Radiohead Can Teach Us About Sound Quality at Home

By Mitchell Parker

Contemporary designs filled with glass and concrete can be hostile environments for great sound quality. Here's how to fix that

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Beautiful Things You Can Feel Good About Buying

By Morgan Spenla

Upcycled, ecofriendly or just made responsibly, these home accessories and furniture pieces will keep your conscience clear

DECORATING GUIDES What Matisse Can Teach Us About Interior Design

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Learn to pack a punch with decor inspired by one of the most influential artists of the 20th century

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Kindly Get Party Guests to Use Coasters?

Here’s how to handle the age-old entertaining conundrum to protect your furniture — and friendships

KITCHEN DESIGN Trending Now: 25 Kitchen Photos Houzzers Can’t Get Enough Of

By Mitchell Parker

Use the kitchens that have been added to the most ideabooks in the last few months to inspire your dream project

MIDCENTURY HOMES Houzz Tour: How Can We Get Invited to This Awesome Midcentury Home?

By Mitchell Parker

A redwood-clad gem in California’s Marin County features a dreamy outdoor oasis with an open-door policy for the homeowners’ friends

LIFE The Beautiful Thing About Dad's Chair

By Mitchell Parker

My father had his own spot in the house. His father had his own spot. Now I have mine

FUN HOUZZ Everything I Need to Know About Decorating I Learned from Downton Abbey

Mind your manors with these 10 decorating tips from the PBS series, returning on January 5

Sponsored

Brenda M. Miller Designer of Interior Spaces

75 Reviews

Client-Oriented Interior Design in Loudoun County | Best of Houzz X6

More Discussions

I would like to know if these antique garden statues have any value

4

What era is this and how do I find its worth?

5

Can anyone decipher this monogram?

2

LindaC Passed Away

3

Worth patching, Keeping or Find another?

1