No clue on value. Maybe search for other CL listings in your area and see if there are any hall trees and base your price on that? They're just not popular where I live, tho I do like the look of them.

Thanks anyway, Pesky, but like I said, I've done my homework, both on CL and ebay, google web/images, etc., you name it, nothing I've seen comes close to this in terms of style or function.

BTW, no markings on the back at all, possibly on the bottom, but I can't look at that right now.

Anyone else have any thoughts, I'd sure appreciate it.

That's an interesting piece. Your location will be a big factor in pricing as you know. I'm in suburban Chicago and I can easily see that an estate sale in my area marked at $350. It appears to be good construction. The design has some real pluses, IMO. So many of the old hall trees are beautiful but visually massive, which this is not. That would make it a more versatile piece, able to work in more traditional or more contemporary homes and decor. But, and this is just MY thing, the 'cross' would be a deal breaker for me. Do you know the origin of the piece?

dlm, thanks so much for your reply!

It's so funny you said that about the cross. I showed these same pics to a guy friend today and he said "That thing belongs in a church!" Me: "Whaaaat?" And he pointed out the cross...

Now, I just have to tell you I have seen this hall tree almost daily (just like this - no hats, umbrellas or decorations on it most of the time) for the last 18 years, along with about 200 other people and I just "saw" it when he pointed it out in the picture, and no one has ever mentioned it to me before; not one of the other 200, not my mother who purchased it to begin with (she's fairly certain she purchased it at auction, mid-eighties, no fun story, sorry, but that means it's older than I first thought), not even my girlfriend who's been pestering me about purchasing it for the last 2-3 years!

Not that it would be that big of a deal-breaker here in my part of the country, but I think it might be the picture and the lack of context. I'm sure you can tell this piece really is massive - much taller than most people, and very wide as well, but it's shallow and like you said it doesn't scream at you that it's there. Too, it's been located in a business's short foyer and you don't really "see" it until you're right up on it anyway, and then you're looking at the part that's just above eye level and below, you wouldn't see the cross! LOL!

I have another picture of it with wreaths hung on the outside hooks of the bar that makes the horizontal of the cross and you cannot see it! I'll dig it up and show you here in a few...

Thanks for your opinion!

Why not just ask your friend what she would offer and if it's reasonable, sell it to her since she wants it? Easier and quicker than posting on CL!

"if it's reasonable"

Not anywhere close to reasonable; she wants a deal, I want, at least, close to what it's worth, IYKWIM. I may give her first right of refusal, but I'm not letting it go for her first TWO offers - they're laughable ;-)

Well, if you think her offers are not reasonable, then you must have some idea of what you do consider reasonable. I would suggest you start there. What amount would you accept from your friend? Offer it to her first for that amount, if she turns you down put it on CL for that amount.

Something is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it. You will quickly learn if your expectations are in the right ballpark.

Nicole

Yeah, that is often the way it is with friends-lol. I agree with Nicole. You could let her know that you are putting it on CL for x amount, but if she really wants it, please let you know.

You could offer it for sale to architectural salvage place, and either sell through them or just get an idea of value. The one in link below has an ecclesiastical section.

Here is a link that might be useful: architectural antiques

Yes, Nicole, I'm fully aware of the "Something is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it" rule.

Cyn, yeah, if we're being honest, she really can't afford it.

Thanks for that link and idea gw!

I'm still looking for the pic with the wreaths...

Yes, Nicole, I'm fully aware of the "Something is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it" rule.

What's with the attitude?

Nicole

Hmm, not seeing any attitude there, just acknowledging your post. Perhaps I should have added a :-)

dlm said what I was thinking when I first saw the photo. I was going to respond and say you'll have very limited buyers with the cross (depending on location, of course) but I decided to wait and see what others saw. :^)

It's overall design details say, to me, that it was built to be in a church. Plus, the number of hooks and larger area for boots & umbrellas make it appear it was meant for a place that saw groups of people.

I would take some photos of it to some antique stores and get some feedback from them. Most dealers I've been to would give me a ballpark price on things. Of course, their quote wouldn't be what they considered retail, but what they'd be willing to pay for it.
Be sure to take measurements.

I agree on the cross aspect. That jumped out at me right away.

I second Annz's suggestion to have a couple of antique shops take a look.

Looks to be a hat rack for the men to hang before entering church...

Thanks all. OK, I finally located the wreath picture...

Yep, hats, coats & umbrellas for a crowd is really what it's made for, there is a drip tray on the bottom.

I really think this is hinging on that picture, IRL you just don't see that cross, hmmmm. I'll check a couple of local dealers and see what I come up with, thanks!