Software
Houzz Logo Print
kimiko_love

ID a chair for insurance purposes

6 years ago

Hi all, this old chair was recently damaged by movers. I'd like to have it restored, but also need a general estimate of worth (and information/link to similar chairs) for insurance purposes. I've tried a bunch of different search terms but can't identify much.


Sort of an empire style with a rounded back. Pretty sure it's been reupholstered.






Comments (11)

  • 6 years ago

    Do you want it restored or an insurance claim filed with the moving company? No one on here can give you an estimate of the cost or value because both depend on your area. If you want to file a claim for the cost of restoration take it to a couple of furniture repair places and ask for their estimate for repairs.

  • 6 years ago

    It's a basic open arm side chair....probably dating between 1920 and 1960. Looks like nice wood, likely maple stained dark. a chair like that would maybe bring $35 at an auction....might be $75 in a shop.
    It's not an antique, just a vintage chair. And yes most certainly has been reupholstered.

  • 6 years ago

    @maifleur03 i'm just looking for information identifying what type of chair it is so that I can then file a claim with the moving company. I don't need an estimate of value, just info so I can validate age. And virtually anything is better than their default of a $1/pound.


    But yes, separately I'd also like to get it repaired if it's worthwhile. I do enjoy it.


  • 6 years ago

    @lindac92 thank you for this. very much appreciated!


  • 6 years ago

    Kimiko Love what it is now is not what the chair was originally. The upholstery job hides what it was. Most chairs of this style did not have upholstered backs if of the early period.

    You need to talk to the moving company to actually find out what they will accept as proof of value. A website is not something that they will normally accept.

  • 6 years ago

    Did you pay for full value insurance on this move? If not, you are entitled to your state’s minimum; in California, 60 cents per pound, per article. You will not get a bonanza from the moving company under either scenario.
    Restoring this chair will cost more than the chair’s worth. But if you are fond of it, go ahead and enjoy the piece. I think it’s both attractive and versatile.

  • 6 years ago

    I believe the OP's chair always had an upholstered back.....I think....however the upholstery job is so poor it's hard to tell.
    Why not call it an upholstered boudoir chair from the first half of the 20th century?
    Better yet....how about an "Early 20th century Bergere chair"?
    Sounds more expensive ;-) Hope you can get it fixed.

  • 6 years ago

    @lindac92 and @Olychick Thank you to both. This is so helpful.

    I was told that any website that could provide a sense of value would be accepted. If not, it's $1/pound (which is nothing). So any of this is better than that base refund.


    Not even sure if the leg can be fixed. It's totally broken in half. I may pull the upholstery off to see what it looks like underneath since it's either going to be restored or tossed.


    Thank you, thank you!

  • 6 years ago

    It can be fixed......someone can do a "scarf joint"....not cheap and the chair is likely not worth the cost.....BUT if the moving company will pay.....why not?

  • 6 years ago

    ooh. good to know, @lindac92. Thanks!

Sponsored
J.Holderby - Renovations
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars4 Reviews
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!
More Discussions