Vintage Home Furniture

Can anyone tell me anything about this old furniture please? (Pics included)?

Hi there, My Grandparents died at the end of last year, and we've since been clearing out their house. I've given most of their furniture away to charity, but charities won't take anything that doesn't have a fire label on. The attached pics show an old sofa with 2 chairs and a Bristol pottery commode. Can anyone tell me anything about them, and give me suggestions as to what to do with them please? I've thought about selling them on eBay, but have no idea what they're worth. I live in Northamptonshire, in the UK. http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i239/ktheartilly/IMG_0226.jpg http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i239/ktheartilly/IMG_0221.jpg http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i239/ktheartilly/IMG_0220.jpg http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i239/ktheartilly/IMG_0222.jpg http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i239/ktheartilly/IMG_0224.jpg Thanks for any advice you can offer in advance!

Public Comments

1. Have a professional value them before you make a mistake. I would hate to watch 'Antiques road show' and see that furniture I sold for 50p make a few hundred quid! It looks like good stuff! Be cautious!
2. Find an auction house in your area. They are often in the yellow pages under estate agents and auctioneers. They will advise you, but be aware that if you put them through an auction you will have to pay a commission
3. Try your nearest auction rooms for a more reliable valuation of your items, much more efficient. Good luck.
4. Take the commode to an antique dealer but it won't be worth a great deal. Throw the other stuff away.
5. Examine the pieces looking for a "Maker's Mark" - a stamp or impression the manufacturer placed on the piece. First place to start to determine valuation. Quite nice vintage upholstery. My gram used to do upholstery, recognize the pattern on the commode from sample books my gram had. If I remember correctly mid 1900's. Have fun. Sorry for your loss.
6. If you don't want to sell and just want to give them a good home try Freecycle uk (don't know the web address offhand but just google it) It's a great site that you can use where there is no cash involved but just be able to pick up things yourself.
7. Careful what you give away..I seen a simple english server center on the roadhouse auctions go for 130,000.00 us dollars the other day..I would take pictures to an appraisor first
8. Hi - sorry for your loss. I am sad to report that I don't think the items are particularly valuable. I attend auctions and would say that if the pot in the commode is original then it might go for £10-£15. The suite looks in good condition but is a little 'dated' in style but I am certain you can find it a good new home for it on Freecycle. The Northampton address is below and people are really nice and grateful for pre-loved items. You do have to register. Try the Harp Auction House in Northampton 01604 712945 with your commode - you could e-mail them your pic for a free valuation for Auction. Good luck :-)