Anyone have suggestions/recommendations for a company that will...

[PeterB]

... pack up and ship (across states) a small number of antique furniture items?

I was willed a few pieces by my mother, they're probably worth a fair bit and also have obvious sentimental value, but they'd need to be carefully packed up/crated and then shipped/trucked cross-country. I know this is likely to be hugely expensive, but on the other hand, it's just a few pieces, not a lot.

TiA

[C(-)ris]

I don't have a suggestion for a company, but if possible I would get them appraised, by a professional recognized company in writing, where they are at so you have something to justify value if they go missing or are damaged. Make sure they are insured for the full value not just as "furniture".

[Lizabeth]

Know any antique dealers/auction houses in your area? They might be able to recommend someone.

[PeterB]

Yes, I was thinking/wondering about appraisal too. The two items are a Queen Anne style drop-leaf table and two tiger maple wicker seat chairs. The table is definitely handmade, but I couldn't find any maker's mark anywhere on the underside, and is in pretty good condition except for needing a thorough cleaning and likely varnishing. The chairs I wasn't able to get a good look at, and they're definitely in need of repair but aren't in terrible condition otherwise.

Edit: on casual Googling, I was able to find a very similar looking table, here: https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/tables...f_9742913/ ... mine is quite a bit larger though and is obviously in nowhere near as good condition (but could be, with a good cleaning and varnish).

[Speedy]

PeterB wrote: Edit: on casual Googling, I was able to find a very similar looking table, here: https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/tables...f_9742913/ ... mine is quite a bit larger though and is obviously in nowhere near as good condition (but could be, with a good cleaning and varnish).

That table probably has provenance.

[Ombligo]

If you want to be absolutely sure, go and rent a truck and drive them back yourself. You should hire a loader/unloading service and watch both acts in person. Then drive the pieces to where you want. It will likely cost less too.

[rich in distress]

I’d say roadtrip, but even if you’re not willing to, https://www.uhaul.com/ has options for you (loading and delivering).

[PeterB]

Thanks guys, but a roadtrip really isn't in my future... I just don't have the free time or energy for that. (About a 20 hour trip...)

[Gareth]

I imagine if you don't have a specific timeframe in mind, you could call a national moving service and ask them if they can send it on the next truck with a little space on it going in the right direction.

Otherwise, if you can find someone local to your mother that would crate them, then you could search for an LTL (less than truckload) service. Although, to get an accurate quote, you need to know the dimensions and weight of each crated piece and whether or not they are stackable. If you estimate (as I had to do on my last LTL shipment), you might get hit with overage charges after the fact. Dimensions are easy, but getting the weight after it's crated can be difficult.

[Tiangou]

Have you looked into how much it would cost for you to fly there and then drive it back, yourself, in a rental truck?

Because savings might be significant enough that it will overcome your dread of the trip.