Using a professional appraiser is the best way to determine the true market value of any antique of collectible. But if you'd like to save the appraisal fee, or if you'd like to get a general idea of an object's worth before you call in the pros, there are certain things you can do yourself that will help you sort your trash from your treasure.
Usha Subramaniam has ten years experience in the auction business, including seven years at Christie's in New York. Her appraisal expertise has been featured in regular appearances on PBS' The Antiques Roadshow and A&E Network's The Incurable Collector. Here she offers tips for estimating an object's value without hiring an appraiser:
- Search for documentation.
According to Subramaniam, you should always start by looking for documentation. Go look in boxes in your attic and check old photographs. If you're lucky, you just might find a receipt or other evidence of an object's origin.
- Inspect in strong light.
Remember that imperfections and cracks stand out in either strong natural daylight or very strong artificial light. You might also try turning off all the white lights and using a black light.
- Use a magnifying source.
Use a magnifying glass or a loupe to get a better look at the item's surface and search for damage, imperfections or evidence of restoration.
- Use your hands.
Carefully feel the item without looking at it. You may notice irregularities in the surface.
- Try the ping test.
If the item is ceramic, you can take your fingernail and go "ping, ping, ping" on the surface. If you hear a thud, there's been some form of restoration.
- Call a professional.
In the end, if you think your possession might be valuable, it's probably worth hiring an appraiser.
For more information about antiques, collectibles, and appraisers, check out the following organizations or websites:
HGTV: Authentic Antiques
www.hgtv.com
Antique Roadshow Home Page
www.pbs.org
Antiques Roadshow: Appraise it Yourself
www.pbs.org
Antique Web
www.antiqueweb.com
The American Society of Appraisers
www.appraisers.org
The International Society of Appraisers
www.isa-appraisers.org
Next: Hiring an Appraiser
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