I have an OLD item that *might* be worth quite a bit (or maybe only ten bucks, heh) and I'm wondering if any of you have ever used this service?
Was the appraisal accurate? Any information you'd care to share will be greatly appreciated.
posted on October 6, 2001 02:02:25 PM
I haven't used Butterfields, but many other auctions offer similar "free" appraisals.
Understand going in that they have a vested interest in offering these. They do this to get consignments, period. If what you have is valuable, you will get a "real good" number back from them, with a qualifier that what they're giving you is their estimate of what it will realize in their auction. You will then feel pressure to consign it to them in return for their time/work in doing this for you. Realize that they're not going to spend a ton of time researching anything of a specialized nature -- their number could be "way off" (and they'll qualify that when they give you the number)
BTW, the number you get is not valid for insurance purposes, donation value, etc. In fact, other than an "estimate of what we think we can auction it for" (which itself is non-binding and not guaranteed), it's worthless. It's likely they won't give any supporting information for the valuation (previous realizations/sales), nor will they give you background info on its use/period/maker/etc.
If you're just interested in knowing whether it's worth ten bucks or a thousand, this should do just fine. And it will be free.
posted on October 6, 2001 02:15:13 PM
Thanks, ebaypowersellergold. Yes, the "free" part hooked me, although I should understand by now that one gets what one pays for. Will take several weeks for a response from them, according to their website, but I *will* update this thread with the outcome...
posted on October 6, 2001 09:08:03 PM
hi i used them years ago,,,did give me some good background info..i feel they will go a little low,,what they gave me was around 240.00 min. for a carved chest..(of course if you have them auction it there will be fees) i used their letter & sold it for 300.00 at my yard sale..LOL
good luck,,,i would check universal search here at auctionwatch..also..go to google search,jeeves..& others type in the item..you will be surprised no matter what it is(art,book,collectible),,there will be websites,chatrooms,many people will help you..,info...all this you a lot..you can do this in 30 minutes..even check closed auctions at ebay..see what they sold for..condition etc..compare you can do it yourself..really fun..for old books i check www.abebooks.com
& barnes&noble.com...out of print books..
take a low average of comparable items & you should be fine..the neat thing about auctions is "if" hopefully it's worth a ton,,You will get the bids..an outright sale you could sell a $10,000.00 item for 10.00...good luck researching this stuff it is really fun & you learn so much
posted on October 6, 2001 10:41:58 PM
Thanks for your advice and experience, timetravelers.
kiawok, I'm going to make you look at pictures of my item just as soon as I can find your email address. Hummpphhh!
(Really, if you're in the mood to take a gander at this item, I'd appreciate it. I'm at: [email protected] Gimme a holler -- with IM's permission, of course -- and I'll send ya some pics to scrutinize... )
