WHAT: With estimated pre-sale at $200 to $300, a small 19th century pine sawbuck table measuring 27.5 inches high by 59.5 inches wide, with a scrubbed top on a red painted base, sold for $923 in a Skinner auction last month. That result is more than three times high estimate. What gives?
MORE: Sawbuck tables, with legs that form an X at each end, are popular with collectors of early American primitives and furniture. With painted legs (original paint is a major plus) and a scrubbed pine top, the table was even more interesting because it is small in size. Sold in an online-only Discovery auction of mostly 19th century or earlier country Americana, the piece was offered to niche bidders worldwide.
SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: In the last quarter of the 20th century, a country Americana look was all the rage in home decor. Shelter magazines touted the rustic look, and imported new woven coverlets and rickety pine furniture filled the aisles of decor stores.
Today’s collectors have wised up. The real thing is sometimes available for not much more money. The bonus is that authentic items hold value and may appreciate during a lifespan. Best of all, the real thing has a history.
HOT TIP: Auction houses often post less pricey, but worthwhile, pieces in online only sales. Skinner calls their version Discovery sales. Savvy collectors know that such sales are a good way to find affordable buys.
BOTTOM LINE: Watch during slow selling times (summer, or just after fall/winter holidays), for sales where auctions unload desirable, but non-blockbuster, items.
