KARGES HAND CRAFTED COUNTRY FRENCH BEDROOM SET / SUITE GOLD LEAF & IVORY HAND PAINTED; RETAIL FOR $40,000 + Start Price USD 6,995.00 Current Price USD 6,995.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, September 01, 2008 End Time Monday, September 08, 2008 Location Rockford, Illinois See more about 'KARGES HAND CRAFTED COUNTRY FRENCH BEDROOM SET / SUITE' Description KARGES HAND CRAFTED COUNTRY FRENCH BEDROOM SET / SUITE Description: Anyone who knows quality furniture has certainly heard of Karges.  It is known as "The Last Great American Furniture Company".  Every piece is totally hand crafted, highest quality, hand painted in great detail.  All drawers are individually made to fit that particular piece, and dovetail construction,  wooden glides and quality hardware. This set was purchased in 1975.  We have checked with the Karges Company and found that the retail price for these pieces would be well over $40,000 retail today.  The dresser alone now sells for $13,000.00.  This will be a phenomonal value for someone, and a set to be treasured, and also to become a family heirloom. It is in incredible condition, from a smoke-free, pet-free, child-free, spotlessly clean home.  I believe this style is called "Country French Traditional".  The bed and mirror are gold leaf, and the dresser, bombe chest and armoire are painted in a rich ivory finish with hand painted details.  This set consists of a very ornate gold hand carved headboard which would accommodate a regular or queen size mattress.  It is ivory with very heavy applied actual gold leaf (Approx. 74" widest, 60" at tallest point).  There will be no mattress or bed frame included.  There is just the slightest bit of wear to the gold edge just above the mattress.  The weight of the headboard is 95 lbs. A very large, and very ornate elegant Venetian Mirror, heavily carved, and has been done in actual gold leaf... There are panels on all sides of a "marbelized mirror".  It measures approx.  64" high x 37" wide.  The weight of the mirror is 60 lbs.   A traditional dresser which is all hand painted, and all gold trim is actually gold leaf.  It is a ivory painted piece with hand painted swags of roses and scrolls on all drawers and also on the side panels.  It measures approx. 85" at widest, 21" deep, and 32" high.  It weighs 298 lbs. A beautiful elegant armoire with a nice pedimont top, doors that open to expose a space for shelves (or can be used as a TV cabinet as is being used now, with the extra shelving that will come with it), and drawers at the bottom.   The trim is also gold leafed, with hand painted details on all sides in  venetian decoration in a soft greyed-blue, and a cartouche at the center top.  It measures approx. 45" wide x 18" deep, x 84" high.  The weight of this piece is 300 lbs. A lovely bombe chest of drawers that can be used as a bedside lamp table or anywhere in the home.  Also gold leafed, hand painted, gracefully shaped and a quality piece.  It measures approx. 33" wide and 17" deep, by 25-1/2" high.  Currently being used as a jewelry chest.  This piece now sells for $7,000 retail! It weighs 105 lbs.  In case you are interested in the Karges Company, here is an excerpt from a review written about them, and also their web site: The mission statement of Karges Furniture, in a word: Integrity. It matters not whether you speak of this value on a personal level, a company level or a national or even global level, it is the same. You keep your word. Karges has been doing just that for over a century which is why our reputation for delivering beautiful, high-quality furniture stands strong. Maintaining integrity is a new challenge each day and our goal, simply, is to meet that challenge. In 1886, Albert F. Karges, a first-generation German immigrant, invested $600 and began making moderately priced bedroom furniture of solid oak and walnut. At that time the river port town of Evansville, Indiana was one of the largest hardwood furniture manufacturing centers in the world. The Karges Furniture Company is the sole survivor. Now, more than a hundred years later, Karges remains one of only a few family-owned and operated furniture manufacturers in America; hence the epithet, "The Last Great American Furniture Company." The Company prospered through the turn of the century, and Albert's son Edwin F. Karges, Sr., joined the family business after World War I. He had a keen interest in European designs and traveled extensively in an effort to learn more about the old-world styles. Soon, the Karges line took on a more classic look and began separating itself from its competitors as he began to develop his own ideas. Mr. "K", active in the company for over 60 years, left elegant, timeless designs, that are still best sellers after 30 years. After World War II Edwin's son, Edwin F. Karges, Jr., joined the business. He was graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Wood Technology, and his knowledge and skill in wood finishing provided the groundwork for developing the Karges finishing process. "Eddie," as he is known in the plant, is involved in all aspects of the business and remains the expert in matters relating to the unique Karges finish. During the past 30 years, all four of Eddie's children have been involved in the business. Joan Karges Rogier, V.P., currently works alongside her father representing the fourth generation of leadership. Joan brings to the Company a true understanding and appreciation of the strengths and experiences bequeathed by her predecessors as well as a sincere concern for the workers. She understands why Karges survived and why it remains strong today. Joan would tell you, "The only way to make the very best furniture in the world is the slow, careful, hands-on way." This quality philosophy trickles down to the work bench or desk of each employee. Over the decades, as competitors focused on cost-saving materials and quicker production methods, Karges refused to compromise quality for profit. This rich history and quality commitment strengthen the company's longstanding reputation and assure you that Karges-by-Hand is the best furniture you can buy. To learn more about Karges Furniture visit their website at www.Karges.com. This set was purchased from the Furniture Mart in downtown Chicago in 1975. It has remained in one home since then. Please note that digital photographs do not do justice to this furniture.  It is far more  beautiful!  Please feel free to ask any questions.    This furniture is located in Rockford, Illinois, 90 miles northwest of Chicago.  You could pick this furniture up from the home, or you could make arrangements to  have an insured mover of your choice.  Payment by bank cashier's check or money order.  Check to clear before picking up furniture.  Sales tax if purchased in Illinois.   Place a Bid!