How to Find an Antiques Appraiser

_ At one time or another, every collector seeks out someone who is an expert, and who can give the collector an accurate understanding of the value of his or her collection. This expert is known as an appraiser. Some appraisers are generalists, like the family physician, and others are specialists. Most of us will be satisfied with the expertise of a generalist especially for furniture, pottery, glassware, most kinds of silver and household items.

Specialists are necessary when it comes to collections of fine jewelry, stamps or coins, fine art, and such niche items as musical instruments or antique weapons. Some tools like medical instruments or watchmaker implements might also require the knowledge of a specialist.

Jim Crawford, of CrawfordDirect.com, a marketing consultant on antiques, recommends the following:

1. Don't just walk up and ask an antiques dealer, "What's this worth?" The standard reply is "How much do you want for it?" Many of them have spent years acquiring knowledge, and passing out free advice is not typically part of their job description.
2. Also don't sell your item to the same person you ask to evaluate it. Buying low and selling high is how they make their living.
3. Quality is very important. Just because something is old doesn't necessarily make it valuable. The better its condition, the more it's worth.
4. No matter what information you find regarding the value of your antique or collectible, it is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay you for it. Just because a price guide says your antique doorknob is worth $100, if no one will give you that much, then it's not. Sorry.

As Crawford suggests, don't ever sell your antiques to the person doing the appraising. The temptation to low-ball the values is great, for he must resell the antiques he buys from you. He can't make a profit if he pays you their retail value.

Likewise, don't pay an appraiser a percentage of the value he assesses on your items. He will be tempted to appraise their value higher to increase his fee. It is recommended that you hire and pay an appraiser by the hour. Sometimes an appraiser will charge a flat fee or a per-item fee, particularly when he or she is part of an antiques show or is appearing at a function where patrons can bring one or two items to be evaluated.

Although most appraisers will discourage you from going to the Internet for online appraisals, it's possible to get a "ballpark" value if you provide very good photographs, showing multiple views including any marks, and also give accurate measurements. Your appraisal will be only as good as the information and images you provide. This type of appraisal should not be used for insurance, tax or estate values. Take these with a grain of salt. An insurance or tax appraisal must be performed with a personal evaluation, in which the Appraiser is able to see and handle the item himself.

There are several professional organizations to which the top-rated appraisers belong. Contact any of these to find a reputable appraiser in your area, with the specialty that you need, and who will give you a trustworthy result.

International Society of Appraisers

Appraisers Association of America Inc., individuals must have five years of professional experience. More senior certified members need five years of appraising experience, plus they have to pass a two-part exam on appraising theory and methodology. The Association also has an online search tool for consumers to help you find appraisers in your area.

American Society of Appraisers, where members must pass an exam on valuing property and on ethical standards. Senior members must have at least five years of experience and take four classes covering various aspects of appraising.

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