An old map. A mahogany table. A scrimshaw tooth. James McNeil Whistler’s pallet. Rare? Maybe. Fakes? Perhaps. Real? It’s possible. If these objects are genuine… how much are they worth?
The antiques appraisal process is complex. Among other factors that appraisers consider are:
- How many were created in the first place? (rarity)
- How many are extant? (scarcity)
- What condition is it in? (The closer to original condition, the better.)
- If it’s been repaired or cleaned, how has that affected the quality? (Only experts should work on rare objects.)
- What’s the current market for this object? (As in all aspects of design, there are trends in antiques, and the principles of supply and demand rule.)
- How much have others like it sold for, and when, and to whom? (Museums may pay more than a private collector, although sometimes it’s the other way around.)
- Has a celebrity or a historically important figure ever owned it? (association)
- Is it genuine? (authentication)
- Can it be sold with a clear title? (provenance.)
- How well-crafted is it? (Within categories of antiques, even by the same maker, some examples shine brighter than others.)
With the money, status, and beauty associated with these objects, it’s no wonder crimes occur. In the Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery series, antiques might be:
- Stolen—Have you ever wondered who’s buying art and antiques that can’t be displayed?
- Faked—Artisans create and duplicate counterfeit objects that can (almost) fool antiques experts and scientists alike.
- Lied about—Faking association is easy. The trick is verifying provenance—much easier said than done.
To appraise antiques you need specialized knowledge and a reliable liar-meter to spot deception. What to know more? Try your hand at free, fun antiques appraisals! Every week I post three antiques or collectibles and invite you to pit your antiques appraisal skills against those of the experts: “What’s It Worth? You Be the Judge!” Visit www.janecleland.net and give it a whirl!
Jane K. Cleland writes the multiple-award nominated and IMBA best-selling Josie Prescott Antiques Mystery series [St. Martin’s Minotaur], often called an Antiques Roadshow for mystery fans. Jane also chairs the Wolfe Pack’s literary awards and is the former president of Mystery Writers of America, New York Chapter. The “Josie” story, “Killing Time” [Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine], has been nominated for an Agatha award for Best Short Story 2008. Killer Keepsakes, the latest in the series, was reviewed by Publishers Weekly as “absorbing” and “ingenious.”
Jane K. Cleland . “KILLER KEEPSAKES… absorbing … ingenious.” Publishers Weekly . www.janecleland.net . 212.949.0867 . For info about customized business communications training. www.janecleland.com
We are proud to be hosting the official launch of Jane K. Cleland’s fourth in the series Killer Keepsakes at out Seventh Annual Spring Fundraiser on Wednesday, April 15 from 6-9pm. The evening will include Hors d’oeuvres, entree sampling, desserts, and wines and feature renowned storyteller Rebecca Rule interviewing our Guest of Honor. Tickets are now on sale. To purchase contact Mary Gallant at 603.624.6550 x311.
I’m looking forward to the event . . . great food, stimulating conversation and a good, steady look inside the mind of a writer I enjoy. I just hope my “hold” on Killer Keepsakes comes home before the event.
Thank you! We think it’s going to be a fantastic event as well. See you there! – Lichen
I totally agree that there is no cut and dry method for appraisals. I am a movie poster expert and always provide movie poster appraisals for people who contact me through my site or ads. There are so many factors to take into account like condition, artwork, rarity, etc.
Ralph DeLuca
Madison, NJ