How to Get an Antique Appraised

An appraisal is just one person's opinion, whether it's free or for a fee. Get a second opinion (and even a third or fourth) if you have a lot of money on the line.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yellow Pages

1. Find out what you have, but don't buy $200 worth of books to research an item that may bring only $100. Price guides and printed estimates of value are just guidelines. What someone's willing to pay dictates the real worth of an item, and for that you need an expert in the field.

2. Look in the Yellow Pages under "Appraisers." Often they will include their specialty in the listing. Check their standing with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org).

3. Look for groups like the American Society of Appraisers and the International Society of Appraisers, which are self-governing organizations that provide consumers with information.

4. Show the item in its original condition. If you refinish furniture or polish your coin collection, you might actually diminish the item's value. (See How to Buy Antique Furniture and How to Buy Coins.)

5. Find out what a written appraisal is likely to cost before you give the OK. An appraiser's research time can add up quickly.

6. Try to get a free verbal appraisal as part of an antique show or exhibit. You can also ask an antique dealer to give you an idea what your piece may be worth.

7. Find an online appraiser. The drawback here, of course, is that the appraiser isn't in the same room with the item.

8. Beware of the appraiser who offers to buy your item after appraising it, especially if you've never conducted business together before. Unscrupulous people may lowball your estimate to get a better deal.

Tips & Warnings

• When presenting your item, don't say that you don't know anything about it. Simply say, "Tell me what you think about this."
• Check with your insurance agent to see what's required to insure an item. You might not need a professional appraisal; a detailed bill of sale might be enough.

[ranty5]

on 9/27/2009 I agree with the writer here... check with organizations like ISA or the Asheford Institute of Antiques... they're professional groups, who can likely recommend qualified appraisers...

[devon718]

on 6/22/2009 Hello! I have old records, Mozart type 1700, 1800,1900's 3, 1861 Mineral water bottles with the cork an Indian rug early 1800 with swastika print, etc. Please email me [e-mail]

[Bruegel7]

on 12/15/2008 I have 5 of these little 3 1/2" plates with maps on them. 3 of them are marked "NUOVO CONTINENTE NEL 1683" and 2 are marked "PLANISFERO DA AMSTERDAM 1630". They all have gold around the edges and this funny blue symbol on the back of them. And I have 2 reproductions of artwork by F.H. BRUEGEL, FOUR-MASTER and TWO THREE-MASTERS Anchored near a Fortified Island with a lighthouse c. 1561-62 with the initial F.H BRUEGEL and another with a large ship and several others in the background. They are very striking and so impressive to look at. So Masterful even if they're reproductions. Are any of these items worth anything?

[wjeanwitherell]

on 8/30/2008 i have a very old ivory handcarved chess set my dad obtained during world war two period over in india while performing a task while in the military it is in mint condition still in the original case with a spot for each peice could some one who knows anything about something this old could tell me the value

[kinney418]

on 8/29/2008 hi my name is janice and my mother was wondering what her buffet is worth it has 4 drawer in it and has 2 side doors has carved detailing on it was hoping maybe someone would be able to help me out how to it the buffet apraised thank you signed janice kinney