Skip to main content
Home

Main navigation

  • Free Appraisals
    • Get a Free Appraisal
    • View Appraisals
    • Local Appraisers
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
  • Shows
    • Antique Shows, Flea Markets, & Swap Meets Map
    • Upcoming Shows
User Menu
  • Login
  • Help
  • Register

Breadcrumb

  1. Home

1940s dining set

By chrisanntine, 23 July, 2025
Description

1940s dining table and chairs, buffet, and corner cabinet.

Category
Furniture
Medium
Fruitwood
Condition
Good
Date Period
1940s
Price Paid (If known)
Unknown
For Sale?
No
Photos
Profile picture for user NaidaTheCollector

NaidaTheCollector

1 day 12 hours ago

1940s Fruitwood Dining Room Set

Item Description

This is a complete mid-20th century American dining room suite, most likely manufactured in the 1940s. It includes:

  • 1 Dining Table
  • 6 Matching Chairs with striped upholstered seats
  • 1 Buffet/Sideboard
  • 1 Corner Cabinet with Glazed Door and Broken Pediment Top

Material

The set appears to be made of fruitwood, such as cherry or maple, which was a popular material in the 1940s for both its durability and warm grain. The consistent color and grain pattern suggest solid construction with some veneered surfaces, particularly on the buffet and cabinet faces.

Historical Context

Dining sets like this were common in post-Depression and WWII-era homes in the United States. During the 1940s, many pieces combined simplified Colonial Revival design with slight Art Deco and Modern influences.

Notable features:

  • Curved chair backs with shaped splats
  • Elegant, minimal carving
  • Functional design with minimal ornamentation
  • Brass or brass-plated hardware typical of 1940s furnishings

Condition

Based on the provided images:

  • Condition: Good overall
  • Wear: Light surface scratches and edge wear on corners and base molding—consistent with age and use
  • Upholstery: Appears intact and possibly updated
  • Finish: Original, with minor wear and some unevenness visible on the top surfaces (buffet and table)
  • Glass and Shelves: Present and intact in the corner cabinet

Authentication

This set is consistent with 1940s American furniture styles and construction. While no manufacturer labels are visible in the images, the craftsmanship and materials suggest a factory-made but well-crafted set, potentially from regional U.S. makers like Ethan Allen, Drexel, or Huntley (though not confirmed without labels).

To authenticate further, look for:

  • Stamped markings on drawer interiors or bottoms
  • Manufacturer tags (usually inside drawers or behind the buffet)
  • Upholstery tacking or spring construction styles (can help date chairs)

Fair Market Value (As-Is, 2025)

Component

Estimated Value Range (USD)

Dining Table + 6 Chairs

$300 – $600

Buffet / Sideboard

$200 – $400

Corner Cabinet

$250 – $500

Total Set Value

$750 – $1,500

 

Values reflect current trends for 1940s dining furniture in good condition, assuming no major repairs needed and with regional pricing variance. If refinished or restored, value can increase by 20–30%.

Insurance / Replacement Value (Retail)

If you needed to replace this set at retail, expect:

  • $1,800 – $2,500 at antique furniture dealers or vintage showrooms

Recommendations

  • Not for sale? Preserve condition by keeping out of direct sunlight, using table pads, and applying wood conditioner annually.
  • For resale? Best options include Facebook Marketplace, Chairish, or local antique consignment shops.
  • For donation with tax deduction? The IRS typically requires a professional appraisal if value exceeds $5,000.

Professional Appraisal

If you intend to insure, donate, or sell this item at a higher-tier auction or retail outlet, a formal written appraisal by a certified appraiser (ISA, ASA, or AAA) is recommended.

No votes yet
  • Log in or register to post comments

Today’s Featured Blog

From Dusty Attics to Auction Blocks: The Art and Adventure of Vintage Collecting

More Blog articles…

Recent Appraisals

  • Antique Bas-Relief Plaque
  • Curious About This Ceramic Vessel – Insights Welcome!
  • Vintage hand carved elephants
  • Whyte & Mackays The Duffer decanter
  • Seeking Genuine Antique Ceramic Vessel
  • Black and Red Lacquered Wooden Asian Box with Abalone Shells
  • Aztec/Myan Mini Pottery Statue
  • 1819 Ohio land grant
  • Rice Paper Wallet with Ancient Asian Calligraphy
  • 1942 Military photographs, books, etc
See more appraisals…

Recent Appraisal Comments

  • Antique Bas-Relief Plaque Featuring Putti and Lion
  • Chinese Crackle Glaze Warrior Vase
  • Any information on this…
  • Vintage Hand Carved Elephant Figurines
  • Whyte & Mackays “The Duffer” Ceramic Decanter
  • Hand-Painted Ceramic Vessel with Crackle Glaze and Figural Motif
  • Black and Red Lacquered Asian Wooden Box with Abalone
  • Aztec/Mayan Mini Pottery Statue
  • Great for storing precious…
  • The item is in good…

Recent Blog Articles

  • From Dusty Attics to Auction Blocks: The Art and Adventure of Vintage Collecting
  • Ghost Signs and Forgotten Walls: The Vanishing Art of Antique Advertising
  • How to Start a Collection: Tips for Beginners
  • Beyond the Price Tag: The Hidden Factors That Influence Antique and Collectible Value
  • Beyond the Price Tag: Unlocking the Hidden Stories in Your Family Heirlooms
  • Antiques as an Investment: Beyond the Hype, What's Actually Worth It?
  • Is it Real or Just Really Old? Your Guide to Spotting Fake Antiques (and How to Protect Yourself)

More Blog articles…

© 1995- InstAppraisal™, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, Terms and Conditions, End User License Agreement