Sorry, your inspiration pic and table pics aren't displaying. I looked at the link to the hutch and my first thought is that it doesn't really look like a piece for a foyer-- but again, I haven't seen your inspiration photo.

Very nice looking, although I don't understand why someone would sell a $3K piece for $800. ???

Unless it's got a problem somewhere...water damage or bug-infested. I'd say buyer beware.

I find that all the time on CL where people say their item has been appraised at some outlandish value to justify their high price. I've seen rugs appraised at $12,000 that someone wants to sell for $3,000. It's not that there is anything wrong with the piece, but I do think it is overpriced--esp. for pine. I also agree that I don't think it looks like a piece for a foyer.

I cant see your inspiration piece but I think it is overpriced. I would paint if it were mine. If you have largenfoyer, and paint the hutch, I can see it in there.

I really question that authenticity of the CL piece. I doubt a pine piece made in the 1600s could possibly look as fresh as that. It has no patina or indication of wear. I have a french country armoire from the 18th century, also pine, and it is full of gouges, wormholes and the wood in the back is clearly cut by hand (probably a hatchet) and much more irregular with yours.

It looks like a reproduction pine Welsh cupboard. Probably new it would be $1,000-1,2000. So I think $800 is on the high side. I would question any "appraisal" the owner has stating that it's a 17th century $3,000 piece. However, if you like it as a reproduction I think it could work in a large foyer. As another person stated, Caveat Emptor!!

I know what it is...it's a repro MADE FROM what is being claimed to be 17th century pine. There is a shop here in Maine that imports stuff like this by the container load. It's built recently - notice there is no wear, and he says the pine is 17th century, not the piece.

I can tell you that compared to the prices that I see here at this shop, it's a good price for what it is, but the prices in this shop are outrageous. I'd want to see it in person and carefully inspect the workmanship, as the repro pieces I see here are not great cabinet work. Many times they crack a lot and the drawers and doors don't open and close well.

If your foyer is as large as the one in your inspiration photo I think a piece like that could work. But I'd be very cautious about the purchase, as already mentioned.

I don't really know about the antique part, tho I think my3dogs has a great explanation for that.

I question its use in a foyer, tho. What would you be putting on the plate racks that would make it feel like a decorative hall piece, rather than a dining area piece?

Can't see your inspiration pic, but I'm sure I've admired hutches in a foyer hallway area, European style. Yes, that explains it! old wood. Those old wood pieces are usually expensive, so CL might just be another, cheap avenue to advertise in. I don't know about $3K! (maybe $1500?), but I'd certainly expect to pay $800 for the look. Be sure that it's well made, though, as mentioned.

Thanks so much for all of the great advice. I was questioning the age of the piece also, based on the lack of wear and tear. My pine baking table is almost falling apart and has several stains and wormholes, which makes sense since it's such an old piece. I have no problem with a reproduction, since I'd prefer it to be sturdy, but don't want to pay almost $1000 on CL for a piece that wouldn't cost much more from a retailer.

My foyer is large so it would accommodate a large hutch, but I'd like to find a piece that doesn't scream "dining room!" I can understand the comments advising that this particular hutch may not be suited for a foyer. I'm really at a loss trying to decorate this room!

I'm not sure why my pics are showing up. They were at first, but I'm having issues with my Snapfish account.

Thanks again!