posted on March 22, 2002 01:33:15 PM new
Hi, I have a collection of antique and vintage stuff. Which include a map of the americas about 300 years ago. Among them is also a chinese or japanese temple table which is thought to be about 900 years old (12th century). All this is only 'suspected' to be so old. also many japanese art work, small carved chinese jewellery boxes. Anyone knows where to go to get an idea about how much they are really worth and if they are really so old. I live near Seattle. And if there is someone around here I could even bring them to you.
posted on March 22, 2002 02:56:16 PM new
I just had a treasure appraised online at http://www.collectingchannel.com. It cost me $20 to find out my $10 purchase was worth $40-$50 but at least I know it's not worth $10,000!
posted on March 22, 2002 03:40:45 PM new
imexwa,
The only way for anyone to accurately authenticate and appraise anything is to actually view it in person. Any appraiser worth their salt will state in their written appraisal that they have personally inspected the item. This is not to say you need anything in writing, but I'd stay far far away from the online venues.
You can talk to local dealers but just be careful. Dealers are obviously under a conflict of interest and some can be pushy. Two options for an unbiased opinion come to mind:
1) Take your items to the biggest auction house you can find in your area. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with Seattle or I'd suggest some. Hopefully, they'll have an expert in maps & prints, and one in orientalia. Their verbal advice will be free. If your items turn out to be "right" they might push you to consign them, but at least you'll have the answer you sought and can make a decision at that point.
2) I'd also go to the web site for the International Society of Appraisers at: http://www.isa-appraisers.org/ and ask them to recommend a personal property appraiser in your area. Don't expect the appraiser to give you a free appraisal. He/she will give you free advice about the best places to go to get your items authenticated fairly and from an unbiased source.
I guess there is a third option that I guarantee will be the most fun: Get some books, read, educate yourself, and visit all the dealers and antique shows you can find. Make friends and don't hesitate to ask questions and pick everyone's brain. (Just don't put them on the spot for unbiased advice).
posted on March 22, 2002 03:44:28 PM new
if you call the curator of a museum in your area, he/she may be able to refer you to some reputable appraisers.
rule #1, never, ever sell anything to the person who appraises your items.
posted on March 23, 2002 06:26:47 PM new
The International Society of Appraisers is headquartered in Seattle. You can do a search for an appraiser on their web site, www.isa-appraisers.org. The annual conference for this organization will be held in Seattle this year, April 20-22, at the West Coast Grand Hotel. Please expect to pay for an appraisal, even if it is a "verbal approximation of value" with nothing put in writing.
You could also try the personal property appraisers in the American Society of Appraisers, www.apo.com. This organization has real estate appraisers and business appraisers in the membership, so make sure you get someone in the personal property area.
posted on March 24, 2002 07:35:16 AM new
some items an experienced dealer /appraiser can tell by looking at pictures if they are old or repros,as certain items are not deemed profitable to be mass produced at later stage.
years ago i saw a dagger issued by a military cadet school and i bot it,then i saw it with another street hawker and at once i thought it was a repro,but then i decide that no one will reproduce such an item as it does not have much appeal to be made and sold profitably.
even in places where labor is cheap,it is not free .
