The "Mona Lisa" of American Card Tables

In the early 1990s, two antiques dealers from Central Florida drove to South Florida to attend what had been described simply as a yard sale. They had heard that some furniture would be coming out of a nearby home and hoped to find a few pieces to refresh their shop’s inventory.

When they arrived, they noticed a tea table sitting in the grass. At first glance, they assumed it was a Centennial reproduction, likely made around 1875 in imitation of earlier American styles. It was well crafted and made of mahogany, always a desirable wood. For a few hundred dollars, they decided it was worth the risk and brought it back to their store.

After sharing photographs with fellow dealers, however, they began to hear a different assessment. Colleagues suggested the table might be far more significant than they had realized. Encouraged by their peers, the dealers consigned it to a respected auction house in New England. At most, they expected a modest profit.

A month later, the table sold for $1.3 million, stunning the American antiques community. It was purchased by Albert Sack, the highly regarded New York dealer, who described it as the “Mona Lisa” of American card tables, the finest example known.

Now consider the family who placed that table on the lawn. In their effort to empty the house quickly so the property could be sold, they unknowingly parted with an extraordinary object. Had they sought professional advice, the outcome might have been very different.

Stories like this unfold every day. Heirs often have little time or interest in researching what a loved one owned, and significant pieces can be overlooked in the rush to settle an estate.

The lesson is simple: before selling antiques, whether you are the owner or managing an inheritance, seek knowledgeable guidance. A brief investment of time and expert insight can ensure that important objects are properly identified, thoughtfully marketed, and positioned to achieve their full value in today’s market. Hidden treasures are more common than many realize.