How to Get an Appraisal on Indian Pottery

Native American Indian pottery is handmade artwork produced by Native Americans. There are modern pieces of Native American Indian pottery in circulation as well as ceramics that pre-date the 1940s. If you have a piece of Indian pottery, you may have no idea about its value. An appraisal can help determine its worth.

Things You'll Need

• Camera

Instructions

1. Prepare the piece of Indian pottery for appraisal. Dust away any dirt and debris with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use any solvents since it could affect the ceramics.

2. Measure the piece of pottery. Most appraisers will want to know the height, depth and width. Approximate to the closest half-inch.

3. Write a description of the piece that you want appraised. Include any information that you know about the ceramics, including year, materials used, etc. Note any imperfections or damage.

4. Take several photos of the object. Use different angles to give the appraiser the best view of the piece. Take close-up shots of any problem areas.

5. Send all the information you have collected to an appraiser who specializes in Indian pottery. Some examples of businesses you can use to get your appraisal include Michael Higgens & Son and Sagebrush Gallery.

Tips & Warnings

• If you know anyone locally who appraises Indian pottery, take the piece to them. If you transport it, make sure to use a secure container and wrap the pottery in bubble wrap to avoid any damage.

References

• Sagebrush Gallery

Resources

• Michael Higgens & Son