the first one to me looks art deco, especially along the edges and pulls. The second has me a bit stumped as far as style (perhaps william and mary, or american colonial), but I think that one might be worth your while to research further. Take it to get an independant appraisal if need be. Look at the joinery in the drawers and under the drawers themselves. Look for square nails and a natural darkening of the wood as ways of telling you if it is an old piece or a later reproduction. Just from the picture, I'd definitely argue the $500 on that one. I'd also tell him to pound sand on the Persian rugs too. Would be damn hard to find a decent one for $500.