| Formal Written Appraisal (Single Item) |
$250-$350 |
Detailed documentation for insurance/legal purposes |
| Additional Items in Written Appraisal |
$25-$100 each |
Varies based on item complexity |
| Verbal Consultation |
$75-$150/hour |
Informal assessment without documentation |
| Appraisal Fair/Event |
$5-$25 per item |
Brief evaluation in public setting |
| Online Appraisal Services |
$10-$50 per item |
Based on photographs and descriptions |
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Credentials and Certification
Qualified appraisers typically hold certifications from recognized professional organizations. Look for credentials such as:
- ISA (International Society of Appraisers)
- ASA (American Society of Appraisers)
- AAA (Appraisers Association of America)
According to Stuart Salsbury Appraisers in Los Angeles, experience matters tremendously—look for appraisers with significant experience in the industry (their lead appraiser has over 40 years of expertise).
Specialization
Many appraisers specialize in specific categories:
- Fine art
- Furniture
- Jewelry and watches
- Silver and metals
- Books and manuscripts
- Decorative arts
Choose an appraiser with expertise in your specific type of item. For example, Appraisals by Ashby in Los Angeles specifically highlights their specialization in fine art, jewelry, and antiques.
Professional Approach
A reputable appraiser should:
- Maintain objectivity and avoid conflicts of interest
- Provide transparent information about their process
- Offer clear fee structures upfront
- Use standardized appraisal methodologies
- Document their findings thoroughly
- Maintain confidentiality
Appraiser Qualification Checklist
Use this checklist to evaluate potential appraisers
Appraisal Events and Fairs
According to LoveToKnow, several venues offer free or low-cost appraisal opportunities:
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Local Auction Houses: Many auction houses host periodic “appraisal days” where their specialists will evaluate items at no cost or for a nominal fee.
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Antique Shows: Major antique shows often include appraisal booths where experts offer quick assessments.
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Museum Events: Museums occasionally host visiting appraisers as fundraising events.
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PBS’s Antiques Roadshow: When touring in your area, this popular show offers free appraisals (though tickets are limited).
Online Options
Several online platforms offer preliminary appraisal services:
- Heritage Auctions provides free online appraisals for collectibles being considered for auction
- Specialty forums and social media groups where collectors and experts gather
- Virtual appraisal services that work from photographs (though these are less reliable for final valuations)
Self-research can provide valuable context before seeking professional opinions:
- Auction records for similar items
- Price guides and reference books
- Online databases of sales results
- Museum collection catalogs
The Antique Appraisal Process
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Initial Contact
Research and Selection
Research local appraisers, check credentials, read reviews, and select an appropriate expert for your specific items.
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Preparation
Documentation Gathering
Gather any documentation of provenance, previous appraisals, purchase receipts, family history, and photographs of your items.
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Consultation
Item Examination
The appraiser physically examines your items, takes measurements and photographs, and notes condition, marks, and signatures.
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Research
Market Analysis
Appraiser researches comparable sales, auction results, and market trends to determine appropriate valuation.
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Completion
Appraisal Report
You receive the completed appraisal document with descriptions, valuations, methodology, and supporting evidence.
Gather Documentation
Before meeting with an appraiser, collect any information you have about your items:
- Previous appraisals or valuations
- Receipts or bills of sale
- Provenance documentation
- Family histories or stories
- Repair or restoration records
- Insurance information
- Photographs showing condition over time
Know Your Purpose
Be clear about why you’re seeking an appraisal:
- Insurance coverage
- Estate planning
- Potential sale
- Donation valuation
- Personal knowledge
Different purposes may require different appraisal types and methodologies, so communicating your goals clearly helps the appraiser provide the most appropriate service.
Prepare Your Questions
Make a list of specific questions you want to ask, such as:
- What factors most affect this item’s value?
- How rare is this piece?
- What is the historical significance?
- Would restoration increase or decrease value?
- How volatile is the market for this type of item?
- What documentation should I maintain?
Understand the Limitations
According to reports from appraisal experts, be aware that:
- Values can fluctuate based on market conditions
- Appraisals have a limited useful lifespan (typically 2-3 years)
- Different types of value (retail, auction, insurance) may vary significantly
- Some items may require specialized testing or authentication
In-Person Appraisals: Benefits
In-person appraisals allow experts to:
- Physically examine construction methods
- Assess condition with greater accuracy
- Identify repairs or alterations
- Examine marks, signatures, and other details
- Test materials when necessary
- Engage directly with you about the item’s history
According to Specialty Appraisals in Southern California, physical examination is crucial for detecting subtle details that affect value, particularly for furniture, artwork, and jewelry.
Online Appraisals: When They Work
Online appraisals can be useful for:
- Initial screenings to determine if formal appraisal is warranted
- Items where visual identification is straightforward
- Situations where in-person appraisal isn’t feasible
- Budget-conscious preliminary assessments
Heritage Auctions, for example, offers free online appraisals for auction consideration, where specialists review photographs and provide preliminary value estimates.
Hybrid Approaches
Some appraisers now offer hybrid services:
- Initial online consultation followed by in-person examination if warranted
- Video consultations where you can show items in real-time
- Online research with supplemental in-person verification
Common Questions About Antique Appraisals
How much does it cost to have an antique appraised?
Formal written appraisals typically start at $250-$350 for a single item. Additional items generally add $25-$100 each, depending on their rarity, uniqueness, and the difficulty in finding appropriate comparables. For less formal needs, verbal consultations may cost $75-$150 per hour. Some venues also offer free or low-cost preliminary appraisals during special events.
How can I find out what my antiques are worth?
There are several ways to determine the value of your antiques:
- Consult with a certified appraiser specializing in your type of item
- Visit auction houses that offer complimentary auction assessments
- Attend appraisal events at museums, antique shows, or auction houses
- Research comparable items in auction records and price guides
- Join collector communities where experts may provide informal opinions
- Use online appraisal services that evaluate based on photographs
For the most accurate valuation, physical examination by a qualified expert is recommended.
How do you sell antiques and not get ripped off?
To sell antiques safely and get fair value:
- Get independent appraisals before selling
- Research market values through auction records and price guides
- Work with reputable dealers who belong to professional associations
- Be wary of dealers who appraise and then offer to buy your items (conflict of interest)
- Consider multiple selling venues (auction, consignment, direct sale)
- Get all offers and terms in writing
- Verify the credentials of any appraiser or dealer
- Trust your instincts—if something feels suspicious, seek a second opinion
Remember that scam artists often become defensive when asked for credentials, while legitimate dealers welcome such verification.
How can I get an antique valued for free?
Several options exist for free antique valuations:
- Attend appraisal days at local auction houses
- Visit major antique shows that often include free appraisal booths
- Participate in museum-sponsored appraisal events
- Submit photos to Heritage Auctions’ free online appraisal service
- Join specialized collector forums where experts may offer opinions
- Check if PBS’s Antiques Roadshow is coming to your area
- Visit local antique shops (though be aware they may have an interest in purchasing)
While free appraisals provide useful preliminary information, they may not offer the detailed documentation needed for insurance or legal purposes.
What's the difference between a formal appraisal and a verbal opinion?
A formal appraisal is a detailed written document containing:
- Comprehensive item descriptions and measurements
- Condition assessments
- Provenance research
- Market analysis with comparable sales
- Formal valuation methodology
- Signed certification by a qualified appraiser
- Legal standing for insurance, estate, or tax purposes
A verbal opinion is more informal, providing:
- General value ranges
- Basic historical information
- Condition observations
- No written documentation
- No legal standing for official purposes
Formal appraisals cost more but provide documentation that can be used for insurance, taxes, and legal matters, while verbal opinions are more affordable for general information.
External Resources for Antique Appraisals
Understanding Different Valuation Types
Appraisers may provide different values depending on the purpose:
- Replacement Value: The cost to replace an item with one of similar quality (used for insurance)
- Fair Market Value: What a willing buyer would pay a willing seller (used for estates and taxes)
- Liquidation Value: Amount expected in a forced sale situation
- Auction Value: Estimated selling price at auction
Make sure you understand which type of valuation is being provided and why.
Maintaining Documentation
Keep all appraisal documentation organized and accessible:
- Store digital and physical copies in secure locations
- Update appraisals every 2-3 years for valuable items
- Document any changes in condition or restoration
- Maintain photographs alongside written appraisals
Building Relationships
Developing ongoing relationships with qualified appraisers can be beneficial:
- They become familiar with your collection
- You establish trust and communication
- They can alert you to market changes
- They provide consistency in valuation methodology
Many collectors work with the same appraiser for years, as demonstrated by Stuart Salsbury’s 40+ year history providing appraisal services in Los Angeles.
The appraisal industry continues to evolve with technology:
- Digital databases of comparable sales
- Advanced authentication techniques
- Virtual consultation options
- Online marketplaces affecting valuation
- Blockchain for provenance verification
Stay informed about how these changes might affect the appraisal and valuation of your items.
Finding qualified antique appraisers near you is an important step in understanding the value, history, and significance of your treasured items. Whether you’re seeking insurance documentation, planning an estate, or simply satisfying your curiosity, the right appraiser can provide invaluable expertise and insights. By understanding the appraisal process, preparing properly, and knowing what to look for in a qualified expert, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions about your antiques and collectibles.
