He's an antique snob. Are you one too? |
How do you feel about pre-owned furnishings? There's a strong market for it, even out-of-region, thanks to online antique exchanges. I have a blast perusing auction sites and vintage market platforms when working on a tightly-budgeted project. And I'm proud to say I have no qualms about low-end marketplaces. But not everyone agrees with me on this. Some feel that an 'antique' is only and 'antique' when sold by a formal dealer who [presumably] has deemed the piece worth a certain value.
Do you disagree with me? Let's face it, when buying furnishings that have been previously owned, it's USED, no matter how you cut it. But, I have watched clients' faces distort in disgust when I suggest a second-hand or Craigslist purchase. And yet the same faces won't grimace at the mention of eBay or, especially, 1stdibs. Hrmmmm.
I'm curious: are we all just a little too snobby when it comes to previously-owned goods? Or, does the vendor have everything to do with the reliability of purchase? Is the quality presumed to be higher with a higher price tag? Is the transaction akin to buying a used Mercedes from a listing in the yellow pages (objectionable), but purchasing a pre-owned Mercedes from a dealership (perfectly acceptable)?
Challenge #1 (I'm thinking about making this a monthly series on CYAH)
Below are three sideboards. Each piece was discovered on the 3 sites using the single Keyword "Baker." Match the Baker sideboard to which venue it's currently being listed:
Federal style sideboard by Baker. a) 1stdibs b) eBay c) Craigslist |
Regency style console by Baker. a) 1stdibs b) eBay c) Craigslist |
Late Georgian style sideboard by Baker. a) 1stdibs b) eBay c) Craigslist |
BONUS POINTS: Match the price to the piece:
$3,500.00
$1,450.00
$510.00
Throw out your guesses in the comment section. And we'll see who has the best (or, is it worst?) snob radar in the pre-owned furnishings department...
Answers (and links) will posted over the weekend!
Cheers, Whitney
UPDATE & ANSWERS:
Federal style sideboard by Baker. Available through a seller on NYC-Area Craigslist! Asking price is $1,450.00 Link: http://newyork.craigslist.org/fct/fuo/2531142214.html |
Regency style console by Baker. Available through a vendor on 1stdibs! And a steep price at $3,500.00 Link: http://www.1stdibs.com/furniture_item_detail.php?id=455554
|
Cheers, Whitney
2 comments:
I think 1=a $3500, 2=c $510, 3=b $1450. Am I right?!
1=a $3500; 2=510; 3=c $1450?! Can't wait for your answers.
Post a Comment