Q: I am the owner of an antique bedroom set that I would like to know more about. It looks like a Belter and may be original (see pictures). The three pieces are a vanity with mirror, a dresser with mirror and a commode, all with marble tops. How can I authenticate and obtain an estimated value?”
A: These are beautiful examples of Victorian bedroom furniture; however, these pieces are from three different bedroom sets. Unfortunately, the images are incomplete; the tops of the mirror frames and feet on two pieces have not been included in the photos. I am, nevertheless, able to see enough to identify and evaluate them.
The bedside commode and chest of drawers are definitely not Belter. The wood is wrong, and Belter is known for his “seamless” construction. The joints in these pieces are clearly
