Posted 8 years ago
papa
(184 items)
Got this depression era Mersman drum table at auction yesterday and really didn't need one but the internet totally degrades these tables and that makes them non-collectible in our fantastic economy. Mersman tables were mass produced to create jobs in the depression era and around 30 million manufactured. The table;"my guess" is 90 years old and still looks good compared to a three year old Wal-Mart sawdust table. This is an American made table of real wood and devalued totally by the web because they are still plentiful after 90 plus years. At auction every Antique dealer was shaking their heads no way at $40.00 so it came home with me. American made, real wood??
The number is 5990
I'd think it is later-- probably close to mid 20th century.
I do agree that it is a great usable table-- solid wood, built to last.
For a dealer it is about economics-- how much can I make (I try to AT LEAST double my money) and how quickly can I move it/ how much space does it take up. This is not a quick mover nor a money maker at $40. Had it been priced at $5-- it would have had some interest.
scott
Not to say that $40 is not a reasonable price. It just isn't a wholesale price with much room left in it to make a few bucks.
scott
Never been about making money with me and more a hobbyist collector. Paid cash for my house with full finished basement and will find a spot for this drum table. Actually a well built table and Mersman brother's employed over 100 people through the depression. To me that is good history.
It is more fun that way!
Just giving some insight for "every Antique dealer was shaking their heads no way at $40.00".
scott
What is really hilarious is walking into a million dollar home and everything inside is Hobby Lobby, Dollar Store and Wal-Mart barcoded. Not one item made in USA.
Wouldn't know-- never been inside a million dollar home!
Everyone has different tastes. I like natural wood and the style of mid 19th century furniture-- I have a house full of it. It is solidly built and has held up great over numerous moves (I was in the military). I paid a little more for it when I bought it, but it has certainly fared better than any particle board piece would have.
scott
I also have a Marsman drum table number 5990. My father gave it to me and I love it!