What's the Value of Your Claw Foot Table? Comprehensive Price Guide

Claw foot tables represent a distinctive piece of furniture history that continues to attract collectors and interior designers alike. Whether you’ve inherited an antique claw foot table or discovered one at an estate sale, determining its value requires understanding several key factors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what makes these tables valuable and provide current market insights to help you determine what your claw foot table is worth.

What Are Claw Foot Tables?

Claw foot tables are characterized by their distinctive feet designed to resemble animal claws (often eagle or lion) grasping a ball. This design element has a fascinating history dating back centuries.

The ball and claw foot design originated in Chinese furniture, where the motif represented a dragon’s claw holding a pearl—a powerful symbol in Chinese mythology. When this design made its way to Europe in the 18th century, it was adapted to reflect Western tastes, with the claw often transformed into that of an eagle or lion.

According to furniture historians at TIMBER TO TABLE, “The ball and claw foot, was introduced in the 1700s and is a well known furniture foot in its own right. The design of the ball and claw originated in the Orient and later circulated throughout Europe. Claws holding a stone is a symbol taken from Chinese myths.”

Factors Affecting Claw Foot Table Value

Multiple factors influence how much your claw foot table is worth in today’s market. Understanding these elements can help you make a more accurate assessment.

Age and Period

The era in which your table was crafted significantly impacts its value. According to experts at 1stDibs, “Ball and claw furniture has been popular through a range of eras. It has been a notable feature of the Queen Anne era and the Rococco period, covering the early to late 1700s. It was also highly popular during the Edwardian period in the early 1900s.”

Tables from these periods typically command higher prices, with authentic 18th-century pieces being the most valuable. Edwardian pieces from the early 1900s, though more common, still hold significant appeal.

Material and Construction

The wood type and construction methods are crucial value indicators:

• Oak: Oak claw foot tables, especially quarter-sawn oak from the Victorian and Edwardian periods, are particularly prized.
• Mahogany: Classical period mahogany tables with claw feet can command premium prices.
• Walnut: Walnut claw foot tables from the Queen Anne period are highly collectible.
• Joinery: Hand-cut dovetails, mortise-and-tenon joints, and other traditional woodworking methods indicate quality craftsmanship and authenticity.

Condition

The condition of your claw foot table dramatically affects its value. Tables with original finishes, minimal damage, and all original components will command significantly higher prices than those with extensive restoration or replaced parts.

Design and Craftsmanship

The quality of carving on the claw feet themselves can significantly impact value. Intricately carved claws with fine detail work, especially those depicting realistic animal features, are more desirable than simpler, less detailed versions.

Provenance and History

Tables with documented history, especially those associated with notable individuals or historical events, can command premium prices. Even a table with a well-documented chain of ownership may be more valuable than one with no known history.

Current Market Values for Claw Foot Tables

The value of claw foot tables varies widely depending on the factors previously discussed. Here’s a breakdown of current market values based on table type and style:

According to expert appraisers at JustAnswer, “Today, a round oak clawfoot table would sell in the range of $500-$600.” However, this represents just one common category, with many tables worth significantly more.

It’s important to note that the market for antique furniture, including claw foot tables, has seen fluctuations in recent years. One Reddit thread on r/Antiques notes that “‘Brown furniture,’ as the experts call it, isn’t worth much these days. Art deco and midcentury are in,” suggesting lower values for certain pieces. However, exceptional examples, particularly those from sought-after periods with quality craftsmanship, continue to command premium prices.

Notable Recent Sales

Let’s look at some actual sales that demonstrate the range of values for claw foot tables:

How to Identify Your Claw Foot Table

To accurately assess what your claw foot table is worth, you need to properly identify its style, age, and key features:

Style Recognition

Different periods have distinctive claw foot styles:

• Queen Anne style (1700-1755): Typically features cabriole legs ending in pad or claw-and-ball feet. The carving is often delicate and restrained.
• Chippendale style (1755-1790): More elaborate carving, with the claw gripping the ball more dramatically.
• Victorian style (1830-1901): Often heavier, with more ornate carving and substantial proportions.
• Edwardian style (1901-1910): A return to more elegant proportions, often with lighter finishes.

Materials Examination

Examine the wood used in your table:

• Oak (particularly quarter-sawn oak) was popular in the late Victorian and Edwardian periods
• Mahogany was favored in the Chippendale and Federal periods
• Walnut was common in Queen Anne furniture
• Secondary woods (used for structural parts not readily visible) can help date a piece

Construction Analysis

Look for these construction features to help date your table:

• Hand-cut dovetails (pre-1890s)
• Circular saw marks (after 1830)
• Band saw marks (after 1870)
• Wooden pegs or square nails (older pieces)
• Machine-made screws (newer pieces)

Claw Foot Details

The style of the claw feet themselves offers important clues:

• Ball and claw feet: The most common style, showing an animal claw (eagle or lion) grasping a ball
• Glass ball and claw feet: A Victorian innovation featuring glass balls held by the claws
• Lion’s head and paw: More elaborate designs may include carved lion’s heads above the paw
• Eagle’s claw: Particularly popular in American Federal period furniture

Where to Sell Your Claw Foot Table

If you’re looking to sell your claw foot table, consider these options:

Online Marketplaces

• 1stDibs: Premier marketplace for high-end antiques where quality claw foot tables command premium prices
• Chairish: Curated marketplace focused on design-forward vintage and antique furniture
• eBay: Reaches a broad audience, especially effective for mid-range claw foot tables
• Etsy: Good platform for antique and vintage tables with distinctive character

Auction Houses

For higher-value pieces, consider auction houses that specialize in antique furniture:

• Christie’s
• Sotheby’s
• Regional auction houses (often better for mid-range pieces)

Antique Dealers

Local antique dealers may purchase your table outright or sell it on consignment. This option often provides the benefit of expert appraisal and requires less effort on your part.

Tips for Maintaining Value

To maintain or enhance the value of your claw foot table:

1. Preserve the original finish whenever possible. An original patina is highly valued in the antiques market.

2. Use proper cleaning methods specific to your table’s material—harsh chemicals can damage antique finishes.

3. Maintain stable environmental conditions to prevent wood movement, cracking, and joint weakness:

   • Aim for 40-60% relative humidity
   • Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources
   • Use coasters for hot or wet items

4. Document your table’s history and provenance if available, which can significantly enhance its value.

5. Consider professional conservation rather than restoration for valuable pieces—maintaining original materials is usually preferable to replacement.

6. Use with care to prevent new damage, particularly to the vulnerable feet and leg joints.

Getting Your Claw Foot Table Professionally Appraised

For the most accurate valuation, consider professional appraisal options:

1. Certified Appraisers: Look for appraisers certified by organizations like the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) or the American Society of Appraisers (ASA).

2. Auction House Evaluations: Many auction houses offer free evaluation days where experts can examine your table.

3. Online Appraisal Services: Platforms like JustAnswer provide access to expert appraisers who can evaluate photos and descriptions of your table.

4. Antique Shows: Experts at major antique shows may offer informal appraisals or advice.

5. Antique Dealer Consultations: Established dealers specializing in antique furniture often have the knowledge to evaluate your table accurately.

Remember that market values fluctuate, and an appraisal reflects the table’s value at a specific point in time.

Conclusion

The value of a claw foot table depends on numerous factors, including its age, material, condition, style, and provenance. While common oak examples from the early 1900s typically sell for $500-$800, exceptional pieces from earlier periods or with distinctive features can command several thousand dollars or more.

Understanding the specific attributes of your table is key to determining its worth. By carefully examining its construction, style, and condition, you can better position yourself whether you’re looking to sell, insure, or simply appreciate the historical significance of your claw foot table.

For the most accurate valuation, consider consulting with a professional appraiser who specializes in antique furniture. Their expertise can provide valuable insights into your table’s unique characteristics and its position in today’s market.