I have never heard of this company. Have you asked the seller why the furniture is being sold?

Basically an informal estate sale. Hence limited info.

Matchy matchy dining sets are a past trend. They lost favor now that homes are more Open Concept with fewer formal dining rooms only used for special occasions. Dining rooms are a bit more interesting when complimentary items are assembled to furnish the room in the same way living rooms are 'assembled'.

China cabinets have been replaced with long closed sideboards or tall display cabinets. Most people don't use china anymore & no one has the time to curate a display for tableware.

Universal has been around for decades. It's a modest to low end priced Chinese import furniture line found across the US. Hooker and Pulaski would typically be at a higher price point although most of their items are now imported also. Occasionally, you could find Pulaski items at Horchow. Universal is found at Rooms to Go or "Bob's Local Furniture Store".

I just checked my local Craigslist and found these two sets. This stuff is just passé.

Agree with Beverly: Don’t spend money on a heavy, formal matched DR set, whatever the quality. It’s totally dated. If you could buy only the table, it would make a nice starting point, with a fresher, lighter set of chairs. Say no to the overly ornate china cabinet.

The style probably predates even what my great-grandparents had, but that's what I want -- something reminiscent of a bygone era without actually being that old. Honestly, the 'modern' decor that Beverly pictured just makes me cringe. Which is also part of why I'm looking at used furniture; what's in style doesn't match my style.

I'm just looking for input on how to ensure it's a quality set and good value given my lack of knowledge/experience.

Did you end up buying this set? I have this set I want to sell, but not sure what to ask for it. Thanks for any info you can share.

I inherited my paternal grandmother’s dining room set. It’s very similar.
The table is highly unusual in that it can be “folded” onto itself to a smaller size, more like an entry table. I have it in the corner of my current dining room because I live on a farm in TN and it was just too formal. It’s great to hold serving platters, etc. It’s in the upper corner of the photo.

But this house called for something casual, so I found a round table and whitewashed the chairs. The seats are easily removed and were reupholstered with 4 hands and a heavy duty staple gun.