Antique Price Guide
Certain antique items are valuable and in great demand. What one person thinks is a valuable antique may not necessarily be true for another person. To find out if you are in possession of such an item, getting advice from an antique appraisal expert should be your first step. Antique appraisers use many different criteria to come to a value for any given item. When you want to get an item appraised, you must submit a picture of the item as well as all the details you have about it.
Once an antique appraisal is done, the appraisal then becomes a legitimate document attached to the item in question. The document includes the following information:
- The full description of the item
- The marketplace analysis
- The criteria on which the item was evaluated
- The determined value
- The assurance that the code of ethics was followed
- The fee policy report
- The appraisal certificate
An antique appraisal done by an experienced appraiser can also be used for insurance purposes. Some have even used their appraisal to get a loan from a financial institution. Keep in mind that an antique appraisal is process that can take a few weeks. The appraiser takes into consideration the condition of the item. This is one of the most important aspects. The second factor is the uniqueness or rarity of the item. Since an item can be more desirable in one area than another, the appraisal could vary dramatically from one region to another. An antique appraisal is usually judged upon the best case scenario at auction. Once the appraisal is done, a copy is sent to the person asking for said appraisal and one is kept with the appraiser for 1 year.
Just remember that you should not sell or trade any of your antiques with an appraiser. Although most appraisers are honest, it is better to contact an attorney or bank manager to get put in touch with a known appraiser. Another option would be to contact the appraisers' society to find a reputable appraiser in your area. Also, beware of online appraisal sites. How can an antique appraisal be done without seeing the actual item? Pictures never do an item justice, so person to person appraisals are always the best way to go, to protect yourself and your interests.
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