of Antique Chests of Drawers, Sideboards, and Bedside Tables with Immediate Payment

The world of antique furniture is fascinating and complex, rich in stories reflected in each unique piece. Among antique furniture, chests of drawers, sideboards, and bedside tables hold a prominent place due to their beauty, functionality, and testimony to past eras. If you own an antique chest of drawers and are considering selling it, it is essential to understand the valuation process and the benefits of selling with immediate payment.

Antique valuation requires expertise, professionalism, and a keen eye.

How Does the Valuation and Purchase of Antique Chests of Drawers, Sideboards, and Bedside Tables  Work?

Here are some key factors considered during the valuation and purchase process:

1. Era and Rarity: The rarity and era of a piece significantly impact its market value. Certain styles and historical periods are more sought after than others. For instance, an 18th-century French chest of drawers may hold considerably more value than a 19th-century Italian piece.
   
   
2. Material and Quality: The type of wood used, inlays, the quality of finishes, and decorative details all greatly influence the value. Premium woods like rosewood, bois de violette, olive, walnut, rosewood, and carob are especially prized.
   
   
3. Condition: The condition of the furniture is crucial. A well-preserved chest of drawers, sideboard, or bedside table will command a higher value than pieces requiring significant restoration. However, even items needing restoration may have market value, especially if they are rare.

Advantages of Selling Antiques with Immediate Payment

Choosing to sell antiques with immediate payment offers several advantages for the seller:

1. Immediate Liquidity: Immediate payment allows the seller to access liquidity without enduring the lengthy processes of auction sales. Auctions may result in unsold items, requiring re-listing at reduced prices or waiting extended periods for payment once sold.
   
   
2. Simple and Fast Transactions: Berti Antichità streamlines the purchase process, avoiding long delays.
   
   
3. Transparent Valuation: Berti Antichità provides a clear and transparent valuation service based on objective criteria, ensuring the seller feels confident about the fairness of the proposed price.
   
   
4. Safety and Reliability: Working with Berti Antichità means relying on a professional with expertise in the antiques market since 1956. Transactions are handled securely and professionally, with payment made upon collection of the items.
   
   

If you wish to sell your antiques, including antique chests of drawers, sideboards, or bedside tables, with immediate payment, here are the steps to follow:

1. Take photos and send them via WhatsApp to +39 335 281 522.
2. Email the photos to bertiantic@gmail.com, including your phone number.

We will respond promptly, with an average response time of just 15 minutes, as certified by Google.

Selling an antique chest of drawers, sideboard, or bedside table with immediate payment is an advantageous choice for anyone seeking to monetise their antique furniture securely.

A Little History

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHEST OF DRAWERS

The chest of drawers is part of the so-called "closed furniture" category, representing some of the most architectural pieces of furniture. The antique chest of drawers  evolved from the cassone or cassapanca, one of the oldest types of furniture. Initially, the cassone served various functions: it was used as a bed, a storage container for linens, a seat, and, in cases of emergency such as fires or wars, it safeguarded belongings.

The chest of drawers, with two, three, or more spacious and sturdy drawers, first appeared in the 1500s but truly gained prominence in the 1600s. During this period, chests of drawers were large, massive, and rectangular or trapezoidal in shape. By the late 1600s in Italy, elaborately decorated chests of drawers emerged, often sizeable enough to accommodate rich and intricate embellishments.

With the Baroque era, known for its love of opulence, the chest of drawers became increasingly ornate, transforming from a functional piece of furniture into a decorative element in grand reception rooms. These pieces were crafted following the elaborate style of curves and counter-curves, featuring fully carved figures, ivory inlays, gilding, and bronze details. Baroque furniture pushed decorative richness and grandeur to its limits.

However, by the late 17th century, more graceful forms began to emerge. In the 1700s, during the rise of cabinetmaking, chests of drawers adopted softer, lighter, and more elegant forms, reflecting a sense of rationality and refinement. The feminine taste of the era, characterised by delicacy and charm, took centre stage. Venetian chests of drawers, with their harmonious curves, became iconic. Slim legs supported bulging bodies, and unexpected colours and lacquers adorned these pieces.

Do you have an antique chest of drawers and want to sell it? Contact Berti Antichità for an evaluation  and purchase. Send a photo via WhatsApp to +39 335 281 522 or email it to bertiantic@gmail.com (don’t forget to include your phone number). Our average response time, certified by Google, is just 15 minutes.

A Brief History of the Sideboard

wHEN DID THE SIDEBOARD EMERGE?

This is a question best posed to Simone Berti, owner of the Berti Antiquaria Gallery.

In the past, homes contained few pieces of furniture, all of which were functional: a table (a plank on supports, assembled and disassembled as needed), a chest (used as a wardrobe), and a bed (a makeshift mat laid out at night and rolled up by morning). Despite this simplicity, as far back as Roman times, there was a need for a piece of furniture to store utensils and food—the sideboard. Originally made of wood and covered with fabric, it wasn't until the 15th century that this piece began to take its modern form. Interestingly, the name "sideboard" originates from the "Credenza Service," a role performed by the Maestro Credenziere in noble households during the 17th century. At the time, poisoning was a common method of resolving conflicts. During noble banquets, the maestro credenziere tasted the food in front of the guests and remained in the banquet hall throughout the meal to assure diners that the food was safe. There are two main types of sideboards: the low and long sideboard and the double-body sideboard.

The low and long sideboard resembled a small cabinet with a compartment and two or three shelves enclosed by doors. It often stood on short legs or rested directly on the floor. The top shelf was typically used to store dishes and crockery.

The double-body sideboard had an upper section with shelves, often enclosed by glass doors, and was primarily used to display silverware, glasses, and fine dinnerware sets.

Do you have an antique sideboard and want to sell it? Contact Berti Antichità for an evaluation and purchase. Send a WhatsApp message to +39 335 281 522 or email us at bertiantic@gmail.com (include your phone number). We will respond quickly—our average response time, certified by Google, is just 15 minutes.