An online appraisal can help determine whether your antique is worth holding onto, selling, or tossing. It's a great way to to determine how much your collectibles are worth with little time or effort on your part.
Free Valuation Websites
It's a good idea to submit your item to two or three appraisers to see what, if any, differences in price range occur. Always look over any site you choose and make sure that there aren't hidden fees. Be sure that you understand exactly what you are getting before you get the appraisal.
AntiqForum
AntiqForum offers free appraisals for Meissen figures and plates. You will need to email them with a description of your Meissen item and attach several good images with your query. Learn about the figurines by searching the website via model number or category while you wait for a response.
Indian Territory
Indian Territory by Len Wood specializes in free appraisals of Native American art and artifacts. This is a family-owned and operated gallery. The brick and mortar shop has been located in Laguna Beach, California since 1968. You can bring your items to the gallery if you are local or send in images and descriptions by email or snail mail. The gallery will do three appraisals for free, but after that they charge five dollars per appraisal.
Gannon's Antiques & Art
Gannon's Antiques & Art offers free valuations on furniture, jewelry, gold and silver, estates, and Asian antiques. To contact them, send an email with photos or fill out their online form. Gannon's is a sponsor for Antiques Roadshow. Furniture estimates may require seeing the piece in person, however.
Online Appraisal Cautions
While you can get an idea of what something is worth online, keep a few important things in mind during the process:
- Accuracy - Most experts agree that getting an Internet valuation is not usually very accurate. There is a lot of detail that the appraiser won't be able to see without examining the item personally, and you won't really know that the appraiser is truly an expert in his field.
- Certification - You should also be aware that most insurance companies require a certified appraisers' report before they will insure an antique. If you find that you need a professional, you can check with the International Society of Appraisers for a member near you.
- Value - While an antique may be valued at a particular price, it doesn't necessarily mean you can get that amount when selling. As with any item for sale, the value is only what people are willing to pay for it at that time.
However, if you just want an estimate of an item's value for your own purposes, you will find that online appraisals are very convenient and usually reflect current prices fairly accurately.
Value Your Antiques
Knowing the value of your antiques, whether they are antique toys, coins, or books, can help you decide that item's future. Getting a free evaluation of your antiques' worth is a great way to start.
