How Much Is My Antique China Cabinet Worth?

Whether you’re an avid antique collector or the owner of a family heirloom, it’s exciting discovering what your treasures are worth. Of course, if a piece holds a lot of sentimental value, it might be priceless. However, emotional value and monetary value are two different things.

An antique china cabinet can be worth anywhere from just a few bucks to thousands of dollars. There are some antique cabinets on record for selling upward of $30 million! The reality is, there are too many factors to consider before you can simply hang a price tag on your antique furniture.

The ideal way to discover the worth of your antique china cabinet is to consult with a professional appraiser. Trained experts know precisely what to look for, what pieces are in high demand, and which items are a dime a dozen. Of course, it never hurts to know as much as you can about the process.

Despite some misconceptions, china cabinets did not originate in China. These functional pieces are named after their intended use, which was to store, you guessed it, china.

In Europe during the late 1600s, it was considered very trendy to collect various pieces and styles of china. Furniture makers rose to the lucrative business opportunity and began constructing simple cabinets that people could use to store their collections.

Over the years, people continued to use china cabinets to store china and a multitude of other items. You can find china cabinets in several styles, including Victorian, Asian-influenced, and even contemporary.

Another misconception is that all china cabinets are antiques, which simply isn’t true. China cabinets are still made today, either as replicas of past designs, or sleek, new modern pieces.

There are a few different ways you can roughly determine if your china cabinet is, in fact, an antique. One of the easiest ways is if you are confident about the age of your china cabinet. If your cabinet is over 100 years old, then it is an antique.

However, if your china cabinet is less than 100 years old, it is considered vintage. Still, some china cabinets are “retro” if built after 1950. If you are confident that your cabinet is more than 100 years old, that always doesn’t necessarily mean it is worth a lot of money.

Of course, consulting with an expert antique appraiser is the best way to determine the actual status of your piece. A professional will confirm if your china cabinet is indeed an antique, but can also offer you more details about your furniture.

These details consist of the origin of your piece, its condition relative to other furniture from the same era, and any unique features. These details are critical in determining the value of your antique china cabinet.

Next, check to see how your china cabinet is constructed. Remove a drawer to conduct your investigation. What are the pieces made from, and how are the pieces joined together?

If you notice a lot of modern hardware, obviously you don’t have an antique. However, if you notice dovetail joints you might be in luck. Dovetail joints are cut-outs that join two pieces of wood together.

However, not all dovetails are created equal. If the joints seem a bit irregular, this is a strong sign that they are handcrafted and your piece could be an antique. If your cabinet has dovetail joints that fit together perfectly, they were likely cut with a machine and it’s a newer piece.

Related Questions

Where is the best place to find antique china cabinets?

While you could always luck out and find an antique piece at your local Goodwill, shopping at reputable antique dealers is a safer bet. You can also find antique furniture at a number of online sites including eBay, Etsy, Bonanza, and other popular online dealers. 

Can one antique china cabinet have multiple values?

Yes. An antique’s value can vary from dealer to dealer, plus there are different categories of value. There is the most common price which is the retail value, or what a buyer would pay a dealer for a piece. This price is also known as the fair-market-value.Then, there is the wholesale price, which is the price a dealer would be willing to pay for your antique china cabinet. The wholesale value can be 30% to 50% less than the retail value of a piece.Finally, there is the auction value, which typically falls between the retail and the wholesale cost. If you’re unable to find an antique dealer or appraiser to value your piece, you can always try using an online appraisal app like Worthpoint.com. 

If you have an antique china cabinet, it can be exciting to learn that you have a hidden treasure on your hands. However, just because a piece is an antique, doesn’t mean it is worth a lot of money.

There are many factors that go into determining the value of an antique, including condition, provenance, and rarity. A professional antique appraiser is the best way for you to determine what your antique china cabinet is worth.

If your cabinet is a family heirloom or holds particular sentimental value, then its worth might go far beyond money. If your china cabinet is unique, has an interesting story to tell, or is dear to you, then it’s priceless.