Missed Antiques Roadshow in Raleigh? Here's some Alternatives!

So, you could not get tickets to Antique Roadshow. Or, Antiques Roadshow is not scheduled to come to your area. If you have art, antiques or other collectibles that you would like to have valued, what are your alternatives? Surprisingly enough, there are lots of alternatives! And, of course, with each alternative, there are advantages and disadvantages.

First, you can research the item yourself. If you need assistance in item identification, there are lots of publications available through local books stores, Amazon, Collector Books and other sources. If you are looking for value, the internet has a wealth of information plus there are pricde guides available. The disadvantage to this approach is that if your item is not something that you are familiar with, obtaining reference material can be quite expensive. If you are trying to establish value, the different types of value can be very confusing and locating a similar item may or not give you the appropriate value you are searching for. The information in price guides is often dated, and may not be the type of valuation you need.

Another approach is to take your item to a dealer; some specialty dealers are knowledgeable, but if you are trying to sell your item, asking a potential purchaser to value your item is not a good idea. Plus, many dealers are not educated on the various types of values, including fair market value, insurance replacement cost, market value, etc.

You can hire an appraiser. For high end collections, unique items, decorative items, original artwork, period furniture, silver and other items, this is the best approach. Many appraisers provide not only written appraisals, but verbal approximations of value. A qualified appraiser can provide you with the valuation you need, plus help you understand what’s going on in the market. However, professional appraisers charge for their services. (That’s how appraisers make their living, so please don’t expect us to provide appraisals for free.) Services of a professional appraiser will normally give you all the information you need, and they will use current market information for the valuation. Appraisers often have access to multiple data bases which publish real sales prices on all types of items, and that’s how they develop values for appraisals. Be sure you find a credentialed and tested appraiser. (See my website at http://www.theauthenticappraisal.com/appraiser_selection.php for more information on how to select an appraiser.) Selecting a qualified and experienced appraiser is the best way you can insure you will receive a quality appraisal.

Local appraisal fairs are another alternative. With the popularity of Antiques Roadshow, these appraisal fairs are popping up in lots of areas. They are often fund raisers for non-profit organizations, and there is a charge associated with a valuation. Expect to pay around $10.00 for each item you would like valued. If you only need one or two items valued, this is a good approach. If you have lots of items or entire collections, you will soon be paying more than if you had hired an appraiser and paid an hourly rate. Plus, most appraisal fairs only accept items that you can easily transport and bring to the fair. One disadvantage of appraisal fairs is that often the “appraisers “ are not professional appraisers. Before you go, verify that the appraisers are credentialed appraisers, just like you would if you hire an appraiser. Remember that time is very limited in these fairs, and that the appraiser will not do any research before giving you a verbal approximation of value.

Talking about appraisal fairs, if you are near the Raleigh-Durham area, there is an upcoming appraisal fair being hosted by the Durham Regent Retirement Community. The event is scheduled for August 1 between 1:30 and 4:30, and proceeds go to purchase school supplies for under privileged children and to the local Ronald McDonald house. The location is 3007 Pickett Road in Durham North Carolina. For a $15.00 donation, you can get up to two items valued. And I am scheduled to work the appraisal fair. So, if you have silver, Chinese export porcelain, Asian bronzes, prints, paintings, and other collectibles and decorative arts, I hope to see you there!

©2009 Vicky Nash Shaw, ISA AM
Accredited Antique and Art Appraiser