Earlier this week, I took to Instagram to complain about some recent Facebook Marketplace unicorn losses. A “unicorn” or “White Whale” in the thrifting world is a coveted, rare, and valuable item that makes you have a physical reaction when you find it. Moving forward, I’ll now be using the term White Whale instead of unicorn, as I’ve been told that’s the more accurate term.
For background, here’s what I posted in my stories:
And that was the end. I was still without a White Whale while developing further disdain for humanity.
Until…
The day after I posted these stories, I got a notification that the seller who apologized for accepting a higher offer had increased the price and added more photos to the listing.
So I messaged…
To my surprise, he “promised” the item to me and honored my original offer (which ended up being $1,000).
At this point, you’re likely peeved that I haven’t shared what this item is. Fine, here’s the crappy listing photo:
The best part of FB MP is you’ll be scrolling, scrolling, scrolling, gross, junk, junk… and then
19TH-CENTURY MARBLE TOP DRESSER?
Something about me; I’m a massive sucker for a marble-top chest. But a marble top chest from France, and an era no living ancestors have known? STFU and take my money. It’s missing original handles but you want my kidney? Fine.
Let me back up to provide some context as to why this is a White Whale. Last year, we decided not to proceed with my long-awaited plans to install built-ins and a fireplace in our living room. I was really bummed about it but knew a substantial statement piece would be perfect for the long wall; a Louis XVI marble-top sideboard.
So for the last year or so, I’ve been bidding on them at auction and lost every single time. Here are just a few of the many that I lost in bidding wars:
They all sold for around $2k, some more than $3k. So with buyers’ premium and shipping, the total cost would’ve been at least $3k.
During my sideboard search, I had this 43″ wide chest as a placeholder, which was definitely too small for the 12′ wall. This chest will now be moved into our bedroom for storage.
Then a few weeks ago I purchased this sideboard, which was the right size and scale, but ultimately an impulse buy and yet another placeholder.
Now back to the story.
I went to uShip to get some quotes because as herculean as I think I am, there was no way in hell I was getting this 250+ lb antique out of a Manhattan townhouse over multiple banisters and flights of stairs on my own.
After submitting all the details to uShip, I received multiple quotes between $500-$700. Even though Manhattan is less than an hour away, the weight of the chest and stairs involved was a challenge that required a minimum of two (strong) people to move. And there was a minor detail: I needed the shipper to front the cash payment since the seller only accepted cash.
I really debated letting this go because I didn’t want to spend that much on shipping, but I felt that I could make my money back if I ever decided to sell. And I trusted my gut. What others saw as red flags, I saw as an opportunity. I mean, crazier shit has happened.
Of all the quotes I got, this shipper had the best ratings and was most responsive to my messages, so I booked him. He was extremely communicative during the pickup and delivery process. He sent me photos when he arrived at the townhome to confirm it was OK with me to pay the seller.
I was most nervous about cash payment and the marble top breaking in transit, but to probably everyone’s surprise (including myself)…
Everything went according to plan, and this beaut was delivered! I ended up paying $740 for shipping (including tip), and would definitely use these shippers again.
Tina approved
(it’ll be moved to the back wall once a buyer picks up the current Yellow Fever chest)
The seller was transparent about the condition – it’s not in the best shape (I do have the missing escutcheon) but I don’t care, I think the imperfection adds to the character, and I can always have it restored. The most important part is the marble top is in pristine condition.
So, while this is a dresser and not a sideboard, it still fits the bill of being a substantial, White Whale statement piece that I happen to love just as much as the sideboard.
By the way, this is the original item that I lost out on on Facebook Marketplace, the one that someone gloated over to me via DM. It was listed for $695 (I offered to buy it from her for $1600), but she declined and told me she was going to keep it/mark up for a high amount to sell on Chairish.
I’m happier with my chest. As stunning as the sideboard is, it’s a little bland compared to the chest, IMO. Plus, I see sideboards like that all the time, while I’ve rarely seen a chest with details like mine. Perspective, right?
I’ll always be on the lookout for a sideboard, but let’s just say a certain spouse is not fond of our house being a revolving door for antique chests, so it may be a while until another one is allowed in our house 😉
Holy ish, TOTALLY worth it, and wow much better than the one you lost out on. Congratulations, you’ve taught me so much
Stunning piece, worth every penny.
thanks Sharron!
It’s so beautiful ???? So glad this worked out for you!
thanks Kate!!
I’m not saying this to try and make you feel better about the one you lost out on, but yours is a million times better. The detailing on the drawers, the gorgeous marble top, the bow things on the drawers, just wow. Happy you trusted your gut, Alisa! Eager to see how you style it
Yes!! This new one is so much better and I am so happy for you that the stars aligned. I’ve been dying to see it!
wow thank you!
So much better than the previous one you lost! I love how the front is popped out a bit and not completely flat all the way across, plus drawers are always better than doors in my opinion. Congrats!!!!
I love your stories of acquisitions! I’m glad it arrived safely and most importantly, Tina approves.
haha! thank you!
Worth. The. Wait!!! Absolutely stunning!!
You’re hilarious. You really know how to tell a story. It is BEAUTIFUL. I’m glad I didn’t have to wiat until next week to see it. Congratulations!
Lovely piece and worth the effort. Plus, a dresser gives you versatility if you ever want to move it to a bedroom.
You won my dear!!
I have been hoping for a sideboard in that style for years as well. Maybe we were bidding against each other now and then! I’m a sucker for anything French with a marble top, and especially if it has that corner detail. So glad it all worked out in the end for you!
A.LIS.A! Holy moly that is stunning and so much better than the original! You seriously are the Marketplace GOAT! I even looked at the listing photo and was like nah, but then your photo… perfection, pure perfection! Enjoy it!
Ooh she’s a stunner. Thanks for being transparent about shipping costs, I’m slowly accepting shipping my dream pieces is going to be the only way to get them and I have no reference for reasonable rates on secondhand private sales! Also white whale > unicorn as a 30 something too ha
* I agree white whale etc etc
Well, you won FBMP today:) It is lovely and worth the wait!
I completely agree with you – and Tina – I like what you ended with much better. It’s a beautiful piece! And what a great story! I’m just having a hard time digesting the buyer who DM’d you. Wish we could hear the rest of their story.????
Love the beading and love it much more than the one you lost! As you always say, “something better will come along!” And it did!
So much better than the one you lost out on! It’s stunning and I imagine will be a beautiful addition to your living room. Worth the wait, and the price!
Oh my…it’s beautiful!
You have a good eye to see through such a dark, bad angled posted picture. It blows my mind how people use such bad photos of their items they are trying to sell.
Can’t wait to see it all styled!!
Congratulations! She’s a beauty. Worth the wait and drama for sure.
Oh the one you have now is so much prettier than any others mentioned, by a mile! What a find. I feel for your husband as mine would be just as impatient, but what a great story. thanks for the info on shipping, who knew??? Enjoy it and here is the most important part, I know you will after this story!!!
Drawers rule, doors drool. The one you got is much better! Congratulations!
So happy this worked out for you, Alisa! It really is a beautiful piece and I can’t wait to see it in the living room.
Totally worth it! Love when things work out as your gut intended.
The beading is likely bronze Dore mounted Ormolu because you said it is heavy for the size. Could be brass which would be lighter weight. It is gorgeous with way! ( drawer is perfect, it is the “draw” people that are exposing their Jersey, I am in New Jersey so I can say that)
So worth the baited breath! Beautiful!!!
Yours is much prettier than the one that’s going to marked up on Charish (so nah! to her). Honestly, why would she tell you that–it’s so childish and rude.