Determining Value

    
  Determining the value of an antique means more than locating an item in a price guide or auction results. There are a number of factors

to consider when deciding how much your antiques are really worth. With a little effort, patience and learning about your favorite antiques

categories, along with these guidelines, you can learn to value it yourself like an appraisal pro.

        Don't Overlook a Mark

Whether we like it or not, items stamped with a manufacturers or designers mark are often worth more than identical pieces with no

signature. Use a magnifying glass, if necessary, to make sure you don't overlook a mark that may add value and assist you with further

research. With hand painted and hand crafted pieces, finding an artist's signature in addition to a manufacturer's mark is a boon. Be sure

to examine each piece carefully for these valuable identifying signs.

         Consider Condition

One of the most important factors to consider when you value an antique is condition. Even when you locate an item in a price guide, if

your piece isn't in comparable condition then do further research. Take all flaws into consideration including chips, cracks, excessive wear,

tears, stains and missing components. Look for anything that keeps your antique from being in like new or "mint" condition and take that

into consideration when determining value.

         Is It Common or Rare

There are times when an extremely rare antique with condition factors will still be worth quite a good amount. For instance, if you

determine that you own a piece of Majolica pottery with a hairline crack, it may still be worth quite a nice sum. However, if you own a

cracked piece of Art Deco glass, it probably won't hold much more than decorative value. If you're not sure about how rarity determines

the value in the area you're researching, check with an expert in that field before discarding a damaged item.

         Old Doesn't Always Mean Valuable

Much of an item's value lies in the buyer's demand. There are many items over 100 years old now that aren't in high demand. Take time

pieces from the early 1900s as an example. Many of these time pieces survived over the years making them too common to hold much

value. On the other hand, if you own a hard to find designer timepiece of the same age, it's likely worth more. There are times when a

timepiece can be worth $600 or more to an avid collector or dealer.

         Is it Real or Fake

If an item has been in your family for many generations and you know the provenance, you can feel reasonably sure you're dealing with an

authentic antique. But if you purchase an item at a shady flea market, many times you'll have to authenticate it before you can truly

determine the value. Look for telltale signs of wear and age, along with discrepancies in marks and signatures. Subtle details can often

provide clues to the true age of an object.

         Has It Been Restored or Repaired

Professional restoration can add value to a rare antique, but amateur repairs affect value negatively in most cases. It's important to

evaluate a piece to discern whether it has been haphazardly repaired or the original value-adding patina has been removed. If glue is

present, solders are easily detected, or chips have obviously been ground down, an antique or collectible should be valued accordingly.

Minor repairs may not affect the value of a piece at all. Ask an expert if you're not sure.

         Does It Have Salvage Value

Just because an antique or collectible is broken or damaged doesn't necessarily render it totally worthless. Many dealers will buy items

they can repair or use for parts to repair other pieces. Severely damaged antiques are sometimes transformed by two pieces becoming

one called a marriage, or crafters will purchase them for supplies. Depending on the extent of the damage and the item's relative

usefulness, it may still hold some value. It's wise to check around before banishing it to the dumpster.

         Consider Current Market Influences

If you've located an item in a price guide or auction results, does the information reflect current markets? Prices for antiques and

collectibles can fluctuate widely and quickly depending on current demand. Prices may drop down to pre-demand levels once the boom

has passed, or they may remain high due to diminished supply as dealers have difficulty replenishing inventories. It's important to watch

the markets in your favorite collecting categories and stay on top of value-affecting trends.

         Ask an Expert Friend for Advice

Many times appraisers will indicate they've consulted with their colleagues when determining values. Don't be afraid to ask a well-versed

friend or a dealer you trust for their opinion. Sometimes your educated judgment will overrule what they've shared, but it's good to get

the advice of others when you're feeling a bit uncertain about valuing an item, especially those seldom seen on the secondary market.

         Think About Common Values for Common Pieces

Appraisers most often value antiques based on the median value rather than the highest or lowest prices realized for similar items. There

are times when a piece will sell very high at auction, but the same item will bring a more moderate price at an antique show. Rarities are

more difficult to value, however. The most recent selling price may be a good indicator of expected market value when pricing a rare item.