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Gustavian Furniture

GUSTAVIAN STYLE

With clean lines and muted colors, antique Gustavian furniture is understated and elegant. It represents a more restrained version of the transition from Rococo to neoclassicism that was happening in France under Louis XVI. The style developed under Swedish King Gustav III, who reigned from 1771 until his assassination in 1792, and his son Gustav IV, who ruled until 1809. Although Gustavian furniture is mostly used to refer to pale painted cabinets, commodes, armchairs and other items, it involved a range of influences.

Gustavian-style furniture was inspired by discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum as well as the grandeur of European palaces like Versailles, with local softwoods such as pine and birch. There was also an emphasis on natural light; crystal chandeliers and large mirrors played a role in radiating the fleeting daylight of winter, giving it a distinctive aesthetic.

Where earlier furniture was curvy and florid, this new era was more architectural, with tapered and fluted legs and rectangular and oval shapes. Luminous gilt contrasted with the palette of soft blues on upholstery and painted surfaces. Leading furniture builders included Gottlieb Iwersson, Louis Masreliez and Erik Öhrmark. The latter, a French-born Swedish decorator, designed the Sulla chair, a seat that was demonstrative of technical skill and precise craftsmanship and drew on Greek klismos chairs. Masreliez’s Sulla chair was made by Öhrmark and featured decorative ornamentation produced by Jean-Baptiste Masreliez, Louis’s younger brother.

While the wealthy had furniture carved with neoclassical details like scallops and rosettes, more affordable options were adorned with faux finishes that mimicked marble and stenciled patterns. The simple elegance of Gustavian furniture would have a long impact on Swedish design, informing the 20th-century appreciation for function and form. In the 1950s, IKEA mass-produced copies of a Gustavian commode designed by cabinetmaker Georg Haupt, who created pieces for the Royal Palace, making the furniture a fixture of everyday Swedish life.

Find a collection of antique Gustavian seating, tables, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

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Style: Gustavian
Swedish Gustavian Style Unique Arm Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a very Unique Swedish Gustavian Style Arm Chair. The seat is covered n Muslin. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1940s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Exceptional 18th Century Swedish Daybed
Located in New Orleans, LA
Highly decorative 18th century Swedish daybed with original patina.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Grey Danish Oak Pedestal Attributed to Caspar Frederik Harsdorff
By Caspar Frederik Harsdorff
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 18th Century, single antique Danish Gustavian pedestal cabinet made of hand crafted painted Oakwood designed and produced most likely by Caspar...
Category

Mid-18th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Bronze

19th Century Swedish antique rustic Gustavian Secretary with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
A Swedish antique rustic Gustavian slant front secretary from early 19th century that is perfect for any home. This originalpainted features a slanted top that pulls down to make a ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Painted Corner Armchairs
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Pair of Swedish 1810s-1830s corner chair scraped down to the original black paint. Seat are loose and be easily re-upholstered.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Corner Buffet with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian Corner Buffet from Pitea Norrbotten, Northern Sweden. A classic fine Gustavian Corner Buffet with marbled painted top. Nicely hand-cut down at feet. ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair of Small Gustavian Style Bedside Chests
Located in Westwood, NJ
Bedside chests elegantly combine classical Swedish design elements with refined architectural details. The antique painted finish provides an authentic patina, while dental moldings ...
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21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Console Table
Located in New Orleans, LA
The 18th century Swedish Gustavian console table is a classic piece of furniture known for its elegance, simplicity, and refined details. The Gustavian style, named after King Gustav...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood, Porphyry Console Table by Jonas Frisk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A gold, antique Swedish Gustavian freestanding console table made of hand crafted gilded, painted Pinewood in the Egyptian style with a crystal red porphyry top, designed and produced most likely by Jonas Frisk in good condition. The edges, borders of the tall Scandinavian side table are enhanced by detailed wood carvings, supported by four round, straight golden wooden legs particularized with Egyptian figures. The end table is standing on a gilded, painted base. Minor fading due to age. Wear consistent with age and use. circa 1810 - 1830, Sweden, Scandinavia, Scandinavia. Jonas Frist was a Swedish artist and designer, born in 1787, in Stockholm, Sweden and passed away in 1849. In 1805, Frist received the rights to design and produce mirrors and console tables by the Kommerskollegium. From 1810 - 1814, his studio was located on the street Storkyrkobrinken and from 1814 - 1824, he moved to the public square Riddarhustorget, in Gamla stan, in Stockholm. Frist's personal history remains lost in history. Kommerskollegium (The National Board of Trade...
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Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Giltwood

Antique Gustavian Work Table, Genuine Swedish Country Desk Table with Drawer
Located in Kramfors, SE
Gustavian styled work table from the county Norrbotten in northern Sweden. The table was made during the late 18th century and has a faux painted leg frame. The wooden drawer pull on...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair of Gustavian Swedish Beige Upholstered Bergere Armchairs
Located in Queens, NY
Pair of Swedish Gustavian (18/19th Century) bergere armchairs with beige painted and carved frames in Neo-classic square form upholstered in beige fabric accented by a double-piped b...
Category

19th Century Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Slant Front Desk
Located in Huntington, NY
An unusual trapezoid-shaped Swedish Gustavian slant front desk. Front opens to reveal an ample work surface with six cascading drawers sitti...
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Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass, Iron

Bespoke Swedish Style Painted Sideboard
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Custom built Swedish style enfilade. This can be made to your specific size and color. Dimensions 83.5 inches (212 cms) wide 16.5 inches (42 cms) deep 36 inches (91 cms) high. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th c, Provincial Gustavian Desk
Located in Allerum, SE
Early 19th century provincial Gustavian desk with one drawer and in its original faux painted finish. Ca 1810 Sweden.
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Desk Swedish Gustavian Style
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a 2 drawer Swedsh Gustavian style desk.
Category

1950s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

18th Century Gustavian Period Swedish Painted Corner Buffet with Reeded Doors
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period painted corner buffet from the 18th century with open shelf at the top, bow front, carved reeded doors, simply carved bracket feet and distressed finish. Immerse yourself in the world of historic Scandinavian elegance with this exquisite 18th-century Gustavian corner buffet. Hailing from Sweden, this gem of rustic furniture showcases the beautifully simplistic and charming aesthetics typical of the Gustavian period. Lovingly painted with a distressed finish, this corner buffet exudes an air of comforting, worn charm that tells tales of its storied past. The buffet features an open shelf at the top, providing a perfect display spot for your cherished collectibles or antique...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish Gustavian Painted Secretary Cabinet Bookcase
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Gustavian Painted Secretary Cabinet Bookcase, Sweden Antique Swedish secretary cabinet in Gustavian Style. The cabinet is a well crafted pie...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Extendable Antique Pinewood Dining Room Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian extendable dining room table made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The round Scandinavian pull-out conference tab...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

19th Century Swedish Painted Hall Bench, Trundle Bed
Located in Dallas, TX
19th century Swedish painted hall bench ~ trundle bed is the perfect selection for the active family! By day, a handsome, country style hall bench ~ by nig...
Category

1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th c. Swedish Late Gustavian Sofa Bench in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
This charming 19th century Swedish Gustavian sofa has been hand-scraped to reveal the original paint surface. Newly upholstered in linen with bolster pillows. This seat has the added...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish 19th Century Sideboard Circa 1870
Located in Atlanta, GA
This 19th-century Swedish sideboard, circa 1870, is a beautiful example of Gustavian design, showcasing its characteristic elegance and functionality. Crafted from solid pine wood, t...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Late 18th C. Swedish Chest w/Traditional Swedish-Red Color &Faux-Marble Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish painted wood chest of three drawers, with faux marble top, from the turn of the 18th and 19th century. This period Gustavian chest from Sweden, designed in clean lines, features a hand-painted faux-marble top, with lovely dentil trim just beneath the top ledge, and case which houses three full-sized and graduated drawers. The skirt is linear and and the case is raised up on four squared legs. Brass ring pulls flank the escutcheon set between them (note that hardware is not original). The darker faux-marble color of the top contrasts nicely against the traditional Swedish red color of the rest of the body; we believe the finish to be either original or quite old. This late 18th century Swedish...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian Painted Wood Butlers Cutlery Flatware Tray with Handles
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming, hand-painted in Gustavian blue, butlers flatware or kitchen tray with double handles. The green velvet interior has a wonderful patina and age as well features multiple com...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Velvet, Wood, Paint

Unique 100% Original Finish Swedish Gustavian Berger Chair
Located in Hollywood, FL
This s a Unique 100% Original Finish Swedish Gustavian Berger Chair.
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1890s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style Stools
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Pair of 19th C painted Swedish stools with fluted tapered leg and floral decoration to the corners. 1890 These need to be recovered. I can remove the current fabric if needed. ...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Beech

Fine 18th Century Gustavian Chest of Drawers
Located in Allerum, SE
Fine 18th century Gustavian chest of drawers in alder root veneer in its original condition with great patination, circa 1790.
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish 19th Century Painted Wood Vitrine Cabinet with Glass Door and Rosettes
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian style painted wood vitrine from the 19th century, with carved rosettes. Created in Sweden during the 19th century, this vitrine cabinet features a beveled cornice...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Glass, Wood

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pinewood Drop Leaf Table - Antique Kitchen Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian drop leaf table made of hand crafted painted Pinewood, in good condition. The small kitchen table is standing one four tapered, blue-gr...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Gustavian Console with Carving on Stretcher
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite console table dates back to the late 18th century, a period when the Gustavian style flourished in Sweden. Named after King Gustav III, who reigned from 1771 to 1792, ...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

19th c. Set of Six Swedish Gustavian Period Chairs in Original Paint
Located in Wichita, KS
A set of six Swedish chairs from the Gustavian period in original paint, newly upholstered in antique linen. These beautiful chairs have curved splat backs, inspired by antique Roman...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Gueridon Wood Side Lamp Tables
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Swedish Pair of Gustavian Painted Side Lamp Tables A fantastic pair of painted wood side tables from the early 19th Century, with sc...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chest of Drawers with Untouched Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chest of drawers with untouched Original paint from Skelleftea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden. Made between 1800-1820 The Chest of Drawer has a beauti...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair of 20th Century Swedish Demi Lune Consoles
Located in Atlanta, GA
This elegant pair of 20th-century Swedish demi-lune consoles is a refined example of Scandinavian craftsmanship. Constructed from pine, these tables feature a lightly distressed white painted finish, enhancing their rustic charm and timeless appeal. The half-moon shape is both practical and stylish, making these consoles perfect for placement against a wall or as accent pieces in a variety of settings. The aprons are adorned with delicate carved fluting, a classic detail of the Gustavian style, which emphasizes simplicity and elegance inspired by French neoclassical design. The tapered legs further highlight the graceful proportions and clean lines of the pieces, ensuring they blend seamlessly into both traditional and contemporary interiors. Whether used together or separately, these demi-lune consoles are versatile and functional, ideal for displaying decorative items, lighting, or serving as entryway pieces...
Category

20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

Swedish Gustavian Loveseat Sofa
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a Swedish Gustavian loveseat sofa. it has been restored and repainted with milk paints "Oyster White" All new cushion and Muslin added.
Category

1930s Swedish Vintage Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Birch

19th - 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Farm, Kitchen Folding Pinewood Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A late 19th Century, antique Swedish Gustavian rectangular farm table with one drawer, consisting a round pull, made of hand crafted Pinewood in good condition. The rustic Scandinavian kitchen table...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

19th Century Swedish Corner Cabinet Circa 1830
Located in Atlanta, GA
This striking 19th-century Swedish corner cabinet, circa 1830, hails from the region of Dalarna, renowned for its rich tradition of Scandinavian craftsmanship. Designed to fit neatly...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Pair of Large Pine Obelisks - Scandinavian Décor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish Gustavian pair of early 19th Century obelisks made of Pinewood, in good condition. Each is covered with distressed hand crafted hammered decorative round ornaments...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Painted Pine Two-Tiered Cabinet
Located in Dallas, TX
18th Century Swedish Painted Pine Two-Tiered Cabinet is ideal for the casual decor, providing both visual impact and abundant storage in one! The top ti...
Category

Late 18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish antique rustic Gustavian Table with Original paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish antique rustic Gustavian table from Burea Vasterbotten, North of Sweden. Scraped by hand to its original color. Made in painted ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desk with Marble Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th Century Swedish desk from Skelleftea Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden. Untouched originalpaint with fantastic Marble paint on table top. Made in painted Pine.  
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair, Gustavian Style Wingback Arm Chairs from Sweden, circa 1920-40
Located in Round Top, TX
Graceful with a romantic air, this pair of Gustavian style wingback armchairs have delicate carving along the skirt skirt and rest on turned fluted legs. This pair of armchairs are r...
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Linen, Wood, Paint

Antique Original Blue Painted Grandfather Clock, Sweden Dated 1844
Located in Round Top, TX
Hand painted grandfather clock with exceptional original soft blue painted finish accented in red trim. Panel details, curved bonnet, slender case with lovely balance to face and bas...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chair with Originalpaint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian chair from Burträsk Västerbotten, Northern Sweden. The chair is scraped by hand to its well-preserved original painting. Beautifully carved pilasters ...
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Swedish 1800s Gustavian Period Trestle Base Dining Room Table with Oval Top
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Gustavian period rustic dining room table from the early 19th century, with oval top, trestle base and distressed patina. Created in Sweden during the early years of the 19...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Swedish pair of white 19th century painted chest of drawers
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Swedish pair of white 19th century painted chest of drawers circa 1880. Good quality pair of Swedish painted commodes. Top surface with hand painted faux marble effect, canted corn...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine, Paint

19th Century Swedish Gustavian Chest of Drawers - Antique Pinewood Sideboard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An antique Swedish Gustavian chest of drawers with two doors and six drawers, made of hand crafted painted Pinewood and chrome, in good...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Chrome

19th Century Swedish Sofa
Located in Atlanta, GA
This charming Gustavian sofa, dating back to the early 1800s, is a stunning example of Swedish craftsmanship and design. The sofa has been meticulously scraped back to reveal its ori...
Category

19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Danish Gustavian IFR End Table - Antique Walnut Sewing Table
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A small, antique Danish Gustavian sewing table made of hand crafted polished Walnut, in good condition. The Scandinavian end table is composed with one drawer, detailed with the orig...
Category

Early 19th Century Danish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Swedish Antique Gustavian Console Table Desk Grey White Carved Detail 1850-1870
Located in Lewes, England
Rare Antique Gustavian console writing desk with double drawers circa 1850-1870 in good condition and very unusual. The finish is a grey white paint that is nicely and elegantly di...
Category

Mid-19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair, Antique Gray Painted Gustavian Arm Chairs, Sweden, circa 1880
Located in Round Top, TX
Pair, gray painted gustavian arm chairs. Turned fluted legs and decorative carving throughout, crowned with rosettes. Restored, stable. Any scrat...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood, Paint

Original Painted Swedish Gustavian Sofa
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a 100% original painted Swedish Gustavian sofa. it has new cushion seating covered in Muslin. This sofa was found at an Auction ...
Category

1820s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Desk Swedish Gustavian Style 2 Drawer
Located in Hollywood, FL
This is a unique Swedish Gustavian style desk. its been restored and repainted with Milk Paints "Oyster White"
Category

1880s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Style 1890s Painted Chests with Carved Stars
Located in Atlanta, GA
A pair of Swedish Gustavian style painted wood chests from the late 19th century, with marbleized tops, three graduated drawers, dentil molding, carved stars and fluted side posts. C...
Category

Late 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

19th Century Swedish Small Gustavian Fall Front Desk with Original Paint
Located in Boden, SE
19th century Swedish Gustavian fall front desk from Burtrask Vasterbotten, Northern Sweden. Scraped by hand to its original color. Small cute model in child size. Fits so nicely i...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

19th Century Set of Swedish Gustavian Armchairs Attributed to Ephraim Ståhl
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A grey, antique Swedish Gustavian set of similar armchairs made of hand crafted painted Birchwood, designed and produced most likely by Ephraim Ståhl in good condition. The Scandinav...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Fabric, Upholstery, Velvet, Birch

Swedish 18th Century Gustavian Grey and Blue Display Cabinet
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Antique Swedish Glass-Top Cabinet Made in Two-parts. The base has a set of 4 drawers and the top display cabinet has two glass doors that is pati...
Category

1770s Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Pine

18th Century Swedish Chest of Drawers Circa 1760
Located in Atlanta, GA
This exquisite 18th-century Swedish chest of drawers, circa 1760, is a beautiful example of the Gustavian style, combining neoclassical elegance with functional craftsmanship. Made f...
Category

18th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Brass

Swedish 1820s Late Gustavian Period Painted Slant-Front Desk with Five Drawers
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Swedish Late Gustavian period secretary from circa 1820, with tan/cream painted finish, slant-front desk, five drawers, carved reeded motifs and bracket feet. Embrace the timeless ...
Category

Early 19th Century Swedish Antique Gustavian Furniture

Materials

Wood

Gustavian furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Gustavian furniture for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage furniture created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include case pieces and storage cabinets, seating, tables and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, softwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Gustavian furniture made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Sweden pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original furniture, popular names associated with this style include Ephraim Stahl, Hendrix Allardyce, Hans-Agne Jakobsson, and Jonas Frisk. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for furniture differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $49,500 while the average work can sell for $4,473.

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