It is wonderful...I don't about the "worth," but to me it would be priceless. I hope it becomes all yours!

In that case, I can't find out it's true worth because it's no longer in my possession. If you know what I mean. I wish I could make it all mine! Thanks Caroline.

It looks a bit like the bakers table that is being renewed by a member here. Hers is just the table, no hutch top, with the zinc bin drawers, and in rough shape- although it is on its way to gorgeous. Perhaps she may know more about that type of piece. I can't remember who it is, hanging head in shame, perhaps she will chime in.

I think it would depend on what part of the country you live in. I have a pine country cabinet in my kitchen that I paid $500.00 some fifteen years ago. But I have seen similar ones priced at a thousand many years ago.

You may want to go on the antique forum some of them are real experts when it comes to appraisals.

Good luck to you in what is an unpleasant situation.

....Jane

It really is a beautiful piece of furniture.

But,

You haven't given dimensions and type of wood. Also, who was the furniture maker and his company?

Judging from what I've seen here in our local shops I think it could be about $1800 - $5000.

Check out Ruby Lane antiques and search for antique hutch to see if there's anything simlilar there.

Here is a link that might be useful: antique hutch

rob, that is a beauty! I wish I had some help for you other than to ask an appraiser in your area. As newdawn stated, prices of antiques can vary depending on where you live. I've seen Hoosier cabinets in rough condition sell for $1000 out here in CA. while they sell for a few hundred near my son in Indiana. I was offered a few hundred for my drum table but saw a similar one in Noblesville, Indiana for less than a hundred.

I wish you well in your settlement. If it was made by your family member I'd fight for it. I regret not fighting for the dresser my dad made me and first DH. But I was young and didn't know how much I'd want it later, especially now that my dad is ill and will never build another piece of furniture. : (

Diana

Probably you'll rightfully say, MYOB!!, but just want to say that, ethically speaking, it belongs to the family member/descendant of the cabinetmaker. If that person only intends to sell it for profit, and you have children, it should go to whomever will will promise, in writing, to keep it and hand down to the children. If not,it belongs to the descendant to do with as he/she pleases. There can be extenuating circumstances,I realize.

You're in luck leahcate... I agree with you. Although, it's his family. That's right, I don't aim to keep it at all. It's been my distinct honor to keep it in good shape these many many years, but I am not so certain that will keep happening. I think, if I begged his sister, she would take it in and give it a good home. And he wouldn't mind. But it is a marital asset and worth something. So if I don't get it, he owes me the dollar amount. I was more looking not to be shocked when it went one way or the other on the dollar amount. I'm ok with it being gone, I just loved it. Since my son is the great-great however many, grandson, maybe he'll get to have it some day.

I am getting a better idea where to head with it though, what kind of wood, and comparable in my area. Got it. Thanks!

That is a lovely hutch. It's really hard to estimate a value because they can vary significantly by region and frankly items often sell for a fraction of their apprasal value or worth on Craigslist every day. eBay seems to set higher prices since they can command a wider set of potential buyers--esp. if one is willing to provide shipping; however, many would-be buyers may be deterred by the cost of shipping. Also, keep in mind that what an antique store will charge to sell is not the same as what they would purchase it for--same as a consignment store, hence why many people turn to Craigslist to sell their antiques. I bought a few of my better quality antiques from a company that specializes in running estate sales at the sellers' home over a single weekend and then gets a take of the proceeds from the owners--still at a fraction of their worth. It all depends on finding a buyer who wants it bad enough to pay full price. To me, I think the real value in this is that it is a family heirloom. It's a shame the person who inherited this now has to pay for half the appraised value in order to keep it and the person who treasured it, no longer has possession. But I am sure you already know that.

I have no idea what it's worth, but it sure is pretty.

Actually, I was going to add up all the furniture and tools he's taken to add up to a monetary item I have which has value (in this economy, a miracle in itself). That is, I am only trying to protect what is already mine (got it over 20 years ago before I was even old enough to consider being married). Divorce is an ugly thing. I don't want to take his money, but I have to fight to keep mine. Isn't that silly? Or another word you care to insert here.

It's so lovely a piece. It makes you feel good just being near it. If furniture lives long enough and is loved hard enough does it get a soul like the velveteen rabbit?