Hi there-

I am looking on information about this rug that I own. I am having it professionally cleaned but always wanted to know more. My father gave it to me and it was given to him. Don't know too much about it except it is wool with cotton fringe. It is beautiful - possibly Ming? Any input would be wonderful, and I can't get all the specific pictures requested because it is being cleaned and won't be back for a few weeks. Thanks in advance! Any info on origin or value would be very much appreciated!

Hi,

This rug does not have a whole photograph and size sometimes affects value. So, assuming the rug is in otherwise good condition and fully intact and a marketable size, here's some info. This is a chinese 90 line carpet vintage late 1970s- 1980. Design is Peking. If you find one new today in perfect condition, $22 / sq. ft. retail. Private party in used condition - with stains as in the photo, very low. I've seen some of these go at auction for as little as $2 sq. ft. You'd be lucky to get $8 per square foot cleaned.

ok, so private party you're looking at around 700 with no stains, completely cleaned. That's being somewhat optimistic. any stains or other would adversely affect value dramatically

hi scarlett, please do keep us updated. the ballpark figure is very high for this type of rug. new retail, top price would be 1700. replacement maybe 2300-2500, but even that's a stretch. Back in the day they could get $40 per foot on these rugs, now not so much. If you can get a good price from the cleaners wife, go for it. but there is a price ceiling for this type nowadays. sometimes dishonest cleaners inflate prices to make people feel more comfortable spending more money having the rugs cleaned thereby justifying costs.

here's a 90 line rug with slightly different design that went up for sale - still didn't sell for the $200 min bid. 4x6 size = 24 square feet., $8.xx per square foot and didn't sell. even $7 /ft. is optimistic and if you hold out. these rarely get more than $3 or $4 on ebay, and that's IF they sell

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/6797729

Hi RugPro,

You may be right on the inflated price- I am paying over $400 to have it cleaned, however my insurance is reimbursing me for it. My house was robbed and they trashed the rug with muddy footprints and red mulch outside that they stepped in probably didn't help. It is old, and from what I learned through researching efforts, antique and semi-antique rugs actaully appreciate in value. I don't want to sell it, it has been handed down to me from my father who got it from a friend. I am just trying to sort out the insurance stuff... Thank you for your help; I will definately let you know the outcome. BTW- the rug is 8.5 by 11.5- not sure if I mentioned that earlier. It has some white bits here and there that I understand are actually tie-offs from the cotton backing during the weaving process, and shouldn't affect value. Thanks again!

-Scarlett

not uncommon to have size discrepancies after cleaning. stains dont always come out.

Did you already pay in full for the cleaning? Seems like a lot of your bargaining power is lost once you pay but if you're not happy with the cleaning and it affected the rug in ways the cleaner didn't tell you about, I would be hesitant to pay more than he initially quoted you.