Tips on valuing antiques like an appraiser

August 4, 2009 09:28:27

Posted By Inktiques / Michelle Greysen

Many antique appraisers are dedicated to a particular area of collecting as the vast knowledge and expertise to be a professional antique appraiser involves constant learning. Picking up some of their tips of appraisal will be a useful skill to value your antique finds like a pro.
Antique evaluation is not about memorizing book values of specific items. There is not a single global source for such information nor could there be. An item at auction in New York will not bring the same value in an antique store in Montana or at a tag sale in Vermont. The same analogy is true worldwide with values in Paris differing from those in Canada or Japan. Creating common ground with value and determining what the market will reasonably bear in any given economy are keys to appraisal.
One of the first things to determine is if the item has any maker markings possibly found in numerous places and an appraiser’s background will bring them experience in knowing where and what to be looking for. Jewellery, furniture, toys and silver are examples of collectibles marked in totally different methods. Knowing your area of interest will help you in discovering what to look for in maker marks as a missing or misread mark could be the difference of great dollars in evaluation.
The first thing in self-appraisal like a pro is to determine authenticity. Knowledge in your area of collecting will bring a familiarity to what you are looking for. Normal signs of aging, patinas, natural discolouration of metals over time and authentic markings in the correct place are key observations. If anything looks suspect then chances are high in this age of fakery that the item is a remake and further scrutiny is necessary.
To assess the condition of an antique an appraiser will consider a certain amount of wear and tear given the age, but will closely inspect all surfaces top and bottom, front and back, for signs of restoration works, repairs, refinishing, replacement parts and any serious damage. The more original and complete the item has remained over time often the greater the value.
Older does not necessarily mean higher value as the rarity will be a large part of evaluation. More common items originally produced in higher quantities will bring less value and again knowing how many or how few of a particular item are on the open market will be a consideration in the appraisal.
Repair or restoration in some items may increase a value if done professionally but in other areas of collecting it could greatly decrease the value. Knowing what if any restoration to increase value is a good thing will come with time and experience. An item with visible damage but repairable can often still bring a strong value.
Appraisers have many tools, some of which can be brought along in your pocket such as a black light used to test for age and repair in such items as glassware, porcelain, some metals, paints, ephemera and textiles as chemical laden more modern materials will react and glow in the light. A pocket stone tester can be used to determine carat weight and quality when jewellery collecting and a loupe eye magnifying glass will help when searching for marks or small print.
Take your time when considering an investment in antiques, gather as much information as the item will give you and then go back and research in order to make an informed purchase decision. With good pre-knowledge and experience in your area of collecting, a few pocket tools and a keen eye you can set out antique hunting armed with many of the skills of a professional appraiser.

To read more antique articles by Michelle Greysen:
http://www.helium.com/users/511377

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