Aug 12, 2011

1stdibs! eBay! ...and, Craigslist? An antique snobbery challenge



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


Late Georgian style sideboard by Baker.
Available through eBay.  At time of posting, bidding for $510.00

Link:  http://cgi.ebay.com/Baker-Mahogany-Sideboard-circa-1960-/300584730676?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45fc3f0034
How did you fare on our little test?  Surprised with the truth about second-hand furnishings, perhaps?    
Cheers, Whitney

2 comments:

Sarge said...

I think 1=a $3500, 2=c $510, 3=b $1450. Am I right?!

Anonymous said...

1=a $3500; 2=510; 3=c $1450?! Can't wait for your answers.

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