Sunday, January 9, 2011

Do You Really Get What You Pay For? The Real Deal

I don't subscribe to the belief that, "you get what you pay for".  I think if you're savvy you very often can get more than what you pay for. Likewise, if you don't know what you're buying you can pay too much (and often do pay to much if you're buying into a name or hype).  Being an insider on jewelry design I see this a lot. I'll do a post about that another day :)

I thought it would be fun to start a series where I feature what I paid for something verses retail prices. I'm going to call this feature - The Real Deal


This past summer I found this table at an estate sale.  This was a rare occasion where I was there early on the first day. It was covered in a thick blanket of dust and as I was looking at it a woman came over and asked me if I was going to buy it or not.  Everyone knows that if someone else wants something then it's far more desirable. So with that question I had to have it! It was a friendly conversation though and we chatted about how it was something you would see in a design magazine.

I did a post about it here.

Then I saw it at the flea market for $150. But it had been painted white - ruined.

Surprise, surprise! in the Dec/Jan issue of Elle Decor on page 148, there it was
Look closely, it's down at the bottom



Seeing it there really made me curious to know more about this table. So I Googled "gold wheat table".

My exact table popped up in quite a few antique sites and online auctions at various price points in various states of condition. One site said the design was made famous when seen in a photo of Coco Channel's home.

The posting that stuck out the most was this one from an online antique dealer:

SHEAF OF WHEAT COFFEE TABLE

Sheaf Of Wheat Coffee Table
Italy
1960's
Sheaf Of Wheat Coffee Table with original gold leaf finish and glass top

Condition
good

Measurements
Height: 1 ft. 6 in.
Diameter: 3 ft.

Specifications
Number of items: 1
Materials/Technique: iron, gold leaf, glass
Reference: CF9627
Price: $1,650.00 

Yikes! I told Matt about that and he said, "sell it"!

For $50 I think it's interesting and cost less then something I could find at a retail store (without the history), so I'm going to keep if for now.

I'm curious to hear what you think? Do you believe you get what you pay for? What do you think my table is really worth? $50 or $2,000?

9 comments:

the gardener's cottage said...

hi julie,

i've loved that table from the moment i saw it. i'm in complete agreement with you re you can sometimes get more than what you paid for it. i love estate sales for this reason. i don't think i've ever paid over a dollar for any of my vintage wool plaid blankets. and clothing, jewelry, etc. is way cheaper and better quality than retail stores. and they have a history too. matt sounds like larry btw.

i wouldn't sell it. it's an amazing piece.

xo

janet

Stitchfork said...

Score! And I would have bought it as well if I had seen it. If you like it, does it really matter what it's worth? xo Cathy

Kim@Chattafabulous said...

I love your table Julie and cerain you got a deal. I think the monetary value is somewhere between the $50 and the $2k. As the husband says, its worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.

My Interior Life said...

I love that table and would keep it for sure. But isn't it exciting to see that someone would pay that much for your $50 table. That should make you feel special!

Phil Holland said...

I just saw one on ebay sell for $50. I went to get a cup of tea and missed the bid.

Maybe that is what it is worth afteral!

pve design said...

I think your table is priceless! I think you have a good eye that is what I think. Some people would not even notice what a steal.
pve

Karena said...

That is a gorgeous table!! I love it....the value is as Patricia says priceless.

I am trying to follow, however do not see your link!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Ruth said...

I just saw the exact same table in my town's CL and got it for $30! Your post came up during my googling of "gold wheat table". Thank you for that extra tidbit about the antique dealer's quote ;) I feel so lucky for scoring this!

Janna McCalley said...

I just found this same style table at a consignment shop and the guy gave it to me for 20 bucks! I was trying to do research about it to see if it's worth anything and came across your blog-fun to see how you found yours! My hubby happened to say the same thing when I told him what they go for!