I get letters like this frequently enough that I thought I’d make a post out of it since the principles can be applied to nearly any piece of potentially valuable furniture you want to cash in.
StyleNorth contributor Susan writes . . . “A friend of mine is looking to sell her mother’s Frem Rojle dining set, which is in great shape with original upholstery. She is debating whether to sell it privately (Craigslist or through contacts) or unload it to a dealer. I’ve seen prices of $1,500 to $2,500 but I don’t know if that’s reasonable — this particular set seems to be somewhat scarce in the marketplace. Thoughts?”
I did some research, which included visiting Deconet to get some ballpark prices: the 1962 Hans Olsen set in good, original condition is currently fetching $3,000 - $3,500 USD in the high-end market. This, however, is Canada where prices have never been as robust. Furthermore, the quoted prices have the dealer’s cut already built in; a seller such as Susan’s friend should expect about half of what a dealer might resell the set for.
Given the very good condition, I would pursue one of the top local dealers for this kind of merch — I would contact Jake at Machine Age Modern or Kate at INabstracto or even Roberto at Navarro Gallery; better yet, contact all three. I would definitely send a pic and description to Waddingtons and request a ballpark estimate (they will ultimately need to see the set in order to confirm condition). I would also contact John and Juli at Kitka Design Toronto who are mad about this stuff and even if they’re not in the market, they may know someone who is. I would consider Craigslist a last resort but first I’d recommend buying an ad on Lushpad, which is a Canadian site specializing in mid-century modern furnishings.
Good luck and please let me know how things turn out!
November 24th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Good morning one of these sets was at St Lawrence Market recently with a price tag of $l,800.00 it sold fairly quickly. When selling I like to be realistic about price or you end up wanting to sell it for a long time…Lois of JMHO
How many shops have you walked into and it is the same old, same old, I personally rarely go back. The idea is to turn it over
November 24th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Hi there,
Just enter “Frem Rojle” in the search field of RetroStart.com.
It will search for Frem Rojle in all 850+ listed Mid-Century shops.
There are several sets for sale in the United Kingdom at £425 - £999, or in Sweden for 20500 SEK.
Chairs only are for sale at Founddesign.ca for $1600. ( set of 8 ).
All the best from Holland,
Pieter
November 25th, 2009 at 9:06 am
Hi Chris, I didn’t know where else to leave this question
(understanding you may not have time to respond!)
I got a (empty) 60’s stereo cabinet on CL some time back
that I am painting and using as a credenza. It needs legs.
Have no idea where to start looking for anything suitable
for it. Any suggestions? I’m afraid I might have to resort
to those industrial wheels for lack of anything else. Thanks.
November 25th, 2009 at 9:58 am
This is a great set! I wish I had my kitchen finished, I would get for myself…
I wouldn’t write off Craigslist as only a last resort. Consigning the set with a dealer (e.g. Of Things Past, Machine Age Modern, Ethyl) will get you only a portion of its value, as they obviously need to make something on the sale.
I would find out what its worth in those places, then try to sell it for 75-80 of that price on CL. It has been my experience in selling on CL that if it is a good piece and priced fairly, it will go quickly.
Best of luck.
Mike
November 25th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Hello LYNN I’m not Chris, but you can find really neat things inclusive of legs at Habitat for Humanity. They recycle building supplies and I have to admit of their three stores in TOronto I am rarely disappointed.
November 25th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
LYNN - depending on what look you’re going for, Ikea sells some legs that may be suitable - here’s just one sample: http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/80134190
So does Home Depot - http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogSearchResultView?D=legs&Ntt=legs&Ntk=level1&langId=-15&Dx=mode%20matchallpartial&storeId=10051&Ntx=mode%20matchallpartial&N=51+112001&catalogId=10051&Nty=1&s=true
November 25th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
Hi Lynn,
Great question. Lois is bang-on about ReStores. I’ve also seen legs at the Door Store, The Salvage Shop, Forever Interiors and St. Lawrence Antiques Market. Lee Valley sells some modern metal legs that might also be of interest. Also, search Craigslist for “cabinet” — you might find one in rough shape for next to nothing that would allow you to scavenge the legs.
November 25th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Oh Chris St. Lawrence is a GREAT place, you just never know, price is usually right too. I hate paying big prices for things.
November 25th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Big plug here for my house. Realtor open house on Monday the 30th, I hear they are catering the affair dahhhling…come meet Richard Burton *yes,that is his REAL name*, my awesome real estate man *easy on the eyes as well* address l3l Wallace Avenue, Bloor and Dufferin, thanks Chris hope to see you there
November 25th, 2009 at 8:20 pm
wow, thanks everyone for the great suggestions for the legs.
can now see this project on its way to being finished!
November 25th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Completion is ALWAYS a good thing, too many projects overwhelms me…Lois of tries to keep things to a minium
November 26th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Chris, thank you for the great info and resources, and to the commentors as well for reminding me of many resources I had forgotten about!
November 26th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
I am glad to see you haven’t hung up your towel quite yet!