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Antique Appraiser

Antique Appraisal

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. The antique appraiser uses 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 appraisal is done, it 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 antique 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 evaluator 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 the original is kept for 1 year.

Just remember that you should not sell or trade any of your antiques with an antique appraiser. Although most of them are honest, it is better to contact an attorney or bank manager to get put in touch with a reputable one. Another option would be to contact the appraisers society to find a trustworthy one in your area. Also, beware of online appraisal sites. How can an 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.

What is an Antique?

Antique AppraiserThere are numerous items we consider to be antiques that can be evaluated. Some to consider are antique cars, antique books, antique chairs, antique dishes and antique dolls. These are all very collectable items. There are books you can purchase that give detailed descriptions and pictures. Looking at one of these books is also a good place to start in finding out if there is any value in your antique.

If you are looking at getting a value for an antique car you may want to go to an antique car show and talk to the expert on hand. Also just by seeing what is up for auction and how much it sells for should give you a basic idea on how to value your car.

Buying an Antique

When you are looking to purchase any type of antiques, one of the best places to start looking is at antique auctions. By attending a few auctions, you will get a feel for the worth of items you see being sold. When buying from a reputable auction house or antique store, you are more likely to get a genuine antique, as most come with certificates of authenticity. The first thing to consider is the originality and history of the antique you intend to buy. As rare antiques come at higher prices, you would not want to be fooled by fake replicas. Also, keep in mind that you will probably have to attend many auctions before you find that special item. Don't give up, you will eventually come across a treasure in your travels. A lot of people have had luck finding great items at garage sales. Not only do you find wonderful things, but they are usually much cheaper than at auctions. The only thing is that there is no way to know if the item is original or not. You are taking more of a chance purchasing items this way.

The internet is a great place to find information on most things. It can provide valuable information regarding global antique prices and the history of antique items. The internet is not necessarily the best place to buy antiques. You are not able to get a good enough look at an item from a photo. If the item has any defects, you will not be able to see that in a photo. Dealing in person is the best way to make sure you have an authentic antique and you can make an informed decision.

Once you have purchased your gem, proper care and maintenance should be your next step. Gather all the necessary information about proper storage and preservation methods. Like most valuables, antiques should be kept in moderately humid and cool places. Direct sunlight should be avoided. They should also be handled with care. Excessive cleaning can sometimes ruin the originality of the antique.

First-time Buyers

First-time buyers should purchase general antique guides for research and guidance on starting their antique collection. We have a collection of those books on the top left-hand side of the page. We sell books on specific antique items as well. If you are not certain, do research. It will pay off in the end. The better informed you are, the better chance you have of purchasing an authentic antique and not a reproduction.

The person selling the item you are looking for will say whatever they need to say in order to get thei!rulesr item sold. Many antique sellers often put up retouched items for sale. But antiques look best when they are not refurbished. Keep in mind that you should not buy items with defects. It is the originality that makes an antique item precious.

There are professional appraisers all across United States and Canada. You can contact the Antique Appraisal Association of Americato find an appraiser near you. We hope you find that your treasure not only brings you pleasure but monetary value as well.

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Antique Caned Chair