How to Find the Appraised Value of Antiques

Thrift store find

Great-grandmother's antimacassar--is it a valuable collectible or a collector of dust? Just because something is old does not mean it's valuable. Just because it has been in your family for generations does not mean it has value to somebody else. There are many determinants of the value of your antique item, including condition, demand, scarcity and even location.

Things You'll Need

• Price guides

Instructions

1. Buy a comprehensive antique price guide or find one at the library, depending on whether you're only interested in one item or in buying and selling others (see Resources). A good guide will tell you what to look for, show you photos and even indicate a price range you can expect. It will alert you to check for special markings or logos that may influence the value. Buy a guide that is a convenient size to take with you to flea markets and antique malls. This will help you get a ballpark figure for your antique.

2. Get a basic idea of your item's possible worth by looking at similar items on eBay. This will show you not only the general pricing for the item but also its scarcity or availability, and the demand for it. Check other online directories as well, such as Wilcox & Hall and Curioscape.

3. Determine the condition of your item and find out how that relates to its value. For instance, if a collectible piece of china or a figurine is chipped, its value plummets. Baseball cards and antique magazines in mint or like-new condition are far more valuable than damaged ones with bent corners or missing pages. Also, keep the antique in its original condition.

4. Decide if the antique is worth getting appraised. By now you should know the general value of the item, its condition and if it is in demand, which will help you decide if it's worth the expense of an professional appraisal.

5. Find an appraiser and check the fee. Check the appraiser's affiliations and standing with the Better Business Bureau. Look for an appraiser whose niche or specialty is the same as your antique. There are appraisers who appraise only model railroad cars and others who specialize in antique china.

6. Find out how much it will cost to get a written appraisal. Check a couple of different sources. Then have the item appraised.

Tips & Warnings

• Polishing coins, refinishing furniture and laminating cards can all reduce the value of antiques.

• Do not sell your antique to the antique appraiser. He may give you a lower appraised value to buy your antique below value.

Resources

• I Want Collectibles: Spot fakes and forgeries
• Kovel's 2009 antique price guide
• Antique-Appraisals Online: Appraisal guide