Hello!
I'm looking to sell my vintage Swan Sofa (yup, Arne J.) that does not come with the aluminum base. It was given to me a few years ago by a close friend who moved overseas and offered it to me as a gift...I happily accepted. Unfortunately my girlfriend and I simply don't have space for it in our new apartment and would rather sell it than have it just sit in expensive storage. The problem is- I'm not really sure what to ask for it!!
The price ranges for new ones range anywhere between $6,000-8,500(DWR) but I've also heard older ones in good condition can be way more than that..$8k-15k. I saw one on NYC craigslist for $3k a few years back..another for $5k at a local vintage shop.
Right now, there are virtually no vintage Swan Sofas for sale online (ebay, craigslist, etc) so I don't have a current point of reference to offer a fair price.
I'm fully aware not having the original base will affect cost, but I know for a fact you can import a new/original/licensed/official(whatever you call it), aluminum base directly from Europe with a 4-8week lead time (I'm in NY). Actually, it's pretty cool with or without the base...fyi, the way the base actually connects to the sofa is super easy (4 screws) so if you're crafty, it wouldn't be hard at all to make something unique without really affecting the fabric.
From what I was told this is a late 60's model (approx '67/'68) and would grade the condition at about 7.5 out of 10.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
Mark, from your cheekiness I...
Mark, from your cheekiness I take it you must be IN hell?or, you're a fellow bitter New Yorker. In case you didn't get it: I'm selling the sofa AS IS. So the buyer will either purchase a base for it?or not.
With or without the base it's still a kickass design piece several people already want. I'm just asking the community for suggestions on a fair price range.
wahichu
I will try giving you an answer free of sarcasm or wise cracks, though I must admit I can see how it is tempting.
What folks are saying without going into a lot of detail is that what you posses is perhaps not worth what you might hope.
As you are aware, you have one half a swan sofa, arguably the less valuable half. Without seeing your seat in person, I cannot discern, (and you cannot prove) that it is actually a vintage piece at all. There are copies of these being sold in your area (see white on white, white furniture, or whatever they are calling themselves these days). The easiest way to tell if a Jacobsen swan chair, swan sofa, or egg chair is by looking at the base. The patina, the construction, the glides, (and obviously a label if it is still present) are all ways to determine if a piece is a vintage original.
You indicate that it is supposed to be late 60s vintage. Are you also suggesting that the foam and fabric are original? If it has not been reupholstered it is almost certainly not a vintage piece as you state. The foam would be rock hard and/or crumbling and the fabric most likely be more worn and faded. The only way the foam could have not hardened is if it had been upholstered in leather or vinyl which would protect the foam from air and oxidization. Also, I've handled a lot of Jacobsen/ Hansen pieces over the years and the thicker, fuller foam at the armrests would indicate to me that it's either vintage that has been reupholstered, contemporary production, or a more recent copy.
If you have someone willing to buy it from you and they are offering a price you think is even remotely reasonable, I think you should feel fortunate and take it. I would also anticipate them possibly complaining if they procure a replacement base from Fritz Hansen and it does not fit properly. Contemporary production is not always interchangeable with vintage and if your seat was not produced by Fritz Hansen it may not fit at all.
Your buyer will still have, at best, a vintage seat with a contemporary replacement base. Certainly a usable piece, but not as collectable or as valuable as a vintage example in good original condition or even a contemporary piece that you are confidant is a Fritz Hansen piece.
I'm not trying to run down your sofa seat, just trying to give you an informed opinion about it. I wish you the best with finding a new home for it.
Make up your mind
wahichu,
Make up your mind. First you say "It was given to me a few years ago by a close friend who moved overseas and offered it to me as a gift" then "it was really part of a payment made to me by my friend". Your story is unreliable at best.
Okay, your piece is "half vintage" on a good day and a "POS" on a bad day.
Go ahead and sell this "gift-payment" on eBay and get back to us with the results. The buyer will determine the true value.
kaizer,
You should piss on someone else and tell them it is raining.
"A gift or a present is an item given to someone without the expectation of payment. The gifted item should not be owned by the recipient. Although gift-giving might involve an expectation of reciprocity, a gift is meant to be free"
"A payment is the transfer of an item of value from one party (such as a person or company) to another in exchange for the provision of goods, services or both, or to fulfill a legal obligation. The simplest and oldest form of payment is barter, the exchange of one good or service for another".
"Gifts can also become partial payments" is an oxymoron. I think that is black and white.
For your own safety I "suggest" you refrain for any further gift giving that results in a request for payment at a later date. Be careful when you explain "it's between friends and 1 becomes 5". Children tend to cry, some women both cry and may experience a negative mood change and I would pray "the man" is Aunt Mark as I believe he is forgiving.
Black and white, right and wrong, yes and no... seem so real. I know there is something beyond "trans-aggressive". For "me" it would happen after being given a gift and the word payment is followed by 1 becomes 5.
kaizer,
I do not begrudge anyone able to make the highest possible profit. Congratulations The best transaction is one in which both parties are satisfied. Changing money is easy. Once again, good for you and your buyer.
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