Antique Furniture Appraisal
Antique items, especially furniture, could cost a lot. That would most probably be okay for people who collect antiques as a hobby or a fetish. This is assuming, of course, that the antique furniture is an original. What about if it is fake? This is where big trouble lies. Although some hard core collectors may already have substantial knowledge about vintage wares and furnishings, still to be sure, it is very important to submit to an expert antique furniture appraisal.
There are some appraisers and antique auction houses, however, who are likewise bogus. The key recourse here before engaging into antique furniture appraisal is for one to be very careful in choosing where or to whom to trust with one’s antiques. The first thing that a person must look out for in finding an appraiser is his license, certification and accreditation by the proper government or private authorities. Most likely these agencies have records of accredited appraisers like the American Society of Appraisers, so it is up to the person to verify pertinent details with them.
Naturally, the antique furniture values depend on the antique furniture styles. Usually, the value of antiques are based on the current market trends and selling price or fair market value of antique furnishings under the same conditions within a particular locality. One can get the price guides online or through recent books and magazines. Attending antique furniture auctions would also give one an idea as to the cost and value of these fixtures. For the purpose of antique furniture appraisal, the factors that generally determine the current selling price are: the year the furniture was made, its maker, the materials utilized, the rarity of the item, proofs of its originality and authenticity, its condition and sometimes its design. Some antique furniture conditions that affect how valuable antique furniture is, and eventually the antique furniture appraisal, are the presence or absence of: defects like cracks or chips, scratches, missing parts, stains and marks, repairs and refurnishing.
By and large, genuine antique furniture is and should be one of a kind. Otherwise, if there is more than one of the same piece, one must doubt the item’s authenticity. The idea is that antiques are unique hard-to-find items that a person does not normally pick out from any furniture shop or store. However, should there indeed be other original similar pieces, comparing their prices would also aid antique furniture appraisal or at least give rough estimates thereof.
Lastly, it would especially help the person interested with antique furniture appraisal to have an audience with third persons who are expert antique collectors and those who are learned about antiques in general and have dealt with them for a long time. These may be ordinary people, antique and archaeology professors from reputable universities like the Department of Archaeology at Cambridge, archaeologists or the like. One is encouraged to get as many references as he can. In this way, he can be properly educated about antique furniture and their value.
