Victorian
Victorian furniture spans six decades of Queen Victoria's reign and encompasses several distinct sub-styles — Rococo Revival, Renaissance Revival, Eastlake, and Aesthetic Movement — united by their richness of ornament, quality of craftsmanship, and the dark walnut and rosewood palette of the era. Marble tops, carved figural details, and velvet upholstery are characteristic. Austin Auction Gallery sells and appraises Victorian furniture.
What it's Worth
Common Victorian parlor sets and marble-top dressers typically bring $500–$2,500 at auction. Quality Renaissance Revival case goods — sideboards, bookcases, cylinder desks — in good condition bring $1,000–$6,000. Exceptional carved Rococo Revival pieces attributed to or consistent with Belter or Meeks bring $2,000–$25,000+. Aesthetic Movement pieces in ebonized finish with original decoration bring $500–$3,000. Condition is critical: original marble tops without chips or repairs, original upholstery or sympathetic re-upholstery, and unaltered original finishes all significantly affect value.
Parlor sets and marble-top dressers $500–$2,500; quality case goods $1,000–$6,000; exceptional carved pieces $2,000–$25,000+