Do I Need an Antique Appraisal?

Huh? An antique appraisal? Okay, here's a couple of quick questions for you...answer them quickly!

• First, have you even opened that box of yours? You know...the one from up in the attic?
• Good! Next, do you know what's in it...what's really in it?
• Great! Now for the tough one! Is your box of paper treasures worth anything?
• Wait a minute...you hesitated! Are you sure?
• Do you really know?

Sorry to make you go through that! It wasn't pretty, was it? But...some of your answers were a little "iffy"! Agreed?

Don't worry! We'll get you some help and point you in the right direction! It's important for you to know what your valuables are worth!

Antique Appraisal is Important!

Will it cost you some money to get an antique appraisal? Is it really worth it?

Yes! Yes! We think so!

(Note! Let's be perfectly honest here! We are as guilty of neglecting this idea as anyone else!

As we move forward with this site, we hope to share with you, our personal experiences related to this topic.)

What Are Your Appraisal Needs?

• Are you simply curious as to what your paper treasures might be valued at? Maybe, you don't need an official appraisal just yet! If not, check out this page for a few ideas on how to find the antique value of your collection, on your own!
• Or, do a little more digging and research your collection, on your own! Compare your items to other potential information sources, such as: local museums, colleges, and historical society's. Perhaps, you could even find the previous owner of your collectible!
• Are you looking to start a business selling antique paper? Then, you definitely need to know, and completely understand the value of your inventory!

  

  Click on this link about paper investments to learn more!

• But, if you are really serious about getting a documented value of your collection, then you need to find an antique appraiser. There are many reasons to use a qualified antique appraiser!

• Would it help your appraiser to have some genealogy research in hand when evaluating your collection? You bet it would! Click on the above link to learn more about genealogy research!

Random Notes...

If you believe that you have a few (or many), old pieces of highly collectible ephemera, then it is an especially good idea!

Our Advice?

Still not sure? Before you agree to a full appraisal, ask for a consultation meeting first. A full appraisal can be expensive, so ask some questions before you agree to one!

Better yet, go buy a quality antique price guide (updated) such as the example we have shown.

This one, (Kovel's Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide), is probably one of the most popular ones on the market. Browse through the pages of this book, before jumping into a full appraisal!

However, if you do need an appraisal...don't procrastinate (like us!) in getting one! If you are using the appraisal for insurance purposes, make sure to update it every few years, or so! Be prepared...before you need to be prepared!

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