nemotode Posted July 6, 2014 Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 Bought a house, inherited a wonderful carved fireplace/mantel. But my wife thinks it's hideous. Question 1: anyone have any idea how much I might be able to sell it for? Question 2: what kind of wood is it? If it helps, I live in San Antonio, where there is a fairly strong German influence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted July 6, 2014 Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 Traditionally such heavy carving is in Linden (Basswood) if done by hand but not always in the German tradition. Is the carving relatively soft e.g. can you press a thumbnail into an unseen area and leave a mark? There is a touch more grain coloration than some Linden shows but those appear to be large pieces. At this point there is little to make me think it is something harder. Edit: You asked another question. Somebody wants that piece. If they want it they may pay up to $500 but until you find that person no one else will pay that much. Patience and a willingness to ship are your friends. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted July 6, 2014 Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 I have seen similar carved fireplace surrounds/mantles before. They were $1500+ but your ability to sell that one may take time and some effort packing and crating it for shipment. Similar shapes in marble are around $2k from China and India . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted July 6, 2014 Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 It may very well be a bit much for your home decor so, your wife may very well be correct. I would think to the right buyer, it could be worth a few coins! Good luck! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nemotode Posted July 6, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2014 No, doesn't seem to be linden. I was wondering if it could be pecan, since we have so many pecan trees in the area. But I have no idea if it was carved locally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted July 7, 2014 Report Share Posted July 7, 2014 You might be able to sell to an architectural recycling company or a fireplace shop. Take some measurements and some good pictures and shop it around. Could bring a lower price but get rid of it faster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Byrdie Posted July 24, 2014 Report Share Posted July 24, 2014 TIODS beat me to it again. It may be a nicely done, even a nice piece, but I'm thinking your wife may be right. At least for the firebox shown that is totally the wrong piece. I'm not going to be any help on the wood species but I agree that there should be a buyer for that out there somewhere and a architectural recycler is going to be your best bet and have the best idea of value. Unfortunately they're going to want to take a cut but since it came with the house you'll still come out ahead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-astragal Posted July 24, 2014 Report Share Posted July 24, 2014 I can't tell much from the pics, but that might sell for $5000 in Dallas. Definitely worth money to the right market. 15 yrs ago is all I'm vaguely familiar with there. It's not likely locally carved. Looks French not German. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 24, 2014 Report Share Posted July 24, 2014 Here is in Chicago, the is the place where people with money to burn buy stuff like that. I have dealt with the owner, he is a super nice guy and if you send him detailed pictures he might be interested. http://www.architecturalartifacts.com/store/fireplace_mantels/page3/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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