Find Your Own Antique Value!
Many of the ideas presented on this page will coincide with those on our antique research page. It only makes sense, right? The more you research your paper collectible, the more you will understand its true value.
Here's some good books on finding antiques and antique value. But First...Before you head out the door, let's do one or two things first! Let's take a close look at your paper collectible. What exactly do you have? Is it a historical document or a family treasure? More importantly, what kind of antique value does it have?Take some time here! Jot down some notes on the condition of your collectible. This will help you (a lot!) in finding the true antique value of your paper treasure, later on. How well preserved is your collectible? Or, rather, has it been preserved at all? Uh-huh! You need to be honest here! Is your vintage newspaper from the early 1900's torn, tattered, and badly faded? Well then, what you have is an old newspaper...probably, not worth very much...(except, an interesting read!) On the other hand, you may have a well preserved Civil War Era paper in excellent condition... no fading, spots, or rough edges! Now, you have something special! Take good care of it! Here's two examples from our personal collection to illustrate our point:
Yet, it has faded considerably (ink and paper color)! Overall, it is in relatively good condition (no additional damage!) so we picked it up at a antique shop for a couple of bucks!
This paper is much older (91 years!) than the previous example, yet it is much easier on the eyes to read! Why? True, the paper and ink quality was probably better, back then. But, this paper was also very well preserved!
Bottom line? The condition of your collectible is very important to its overall value! Please keep that in mind when estimating a value of your collectibles.
Price GuidesAntique price guides are a fair and quick way to find an approximate antique value when antique collecting! (What a mouthful!)They can also be quite useful when conducting your own antique appraisal, by providing related information to your item. There are many to choose from. Try and find one that relates to your collection! (...as close as possible!)
There are a few things to consider when using antique price guides in evaluating the antique value of your collection. For example, printed guides are dated, thus, the information may/may not apply specifically to your collection. (Find a current edition!) Trends change over time! Those Beanie Babies from the 90's may/may not be worth as much as you may have thought! The same applies to another favorite collectible - baseball cards! Timing can be critical when putting a value on your collection! Also, you may not be able to find an exact match in the guide to what you have in your collection. But usually, there will be something close to compare your item with. Use that for now, until you have a chance to get your collectible appraised, if so desired. Overall, antique price guides will satisfy your curiousity when it comes to placing a value on your collection. Many guides can can also provide you with additional valuable information on your collection that you may not have known before! Online Price GuidesNeed to find the antique value of your item in a hurry? Do a search online for an antique price guide. Many of the same rules apply here; the same as they do with printed price guides.They may be outdated! Check the sight for the last date of revision. Keep in mind, prices can...and do...vary greatly! For example, a dealer selling post cards, may be an excellent source with which to compare your own post card collection. But, how much do they really know about vintage magazines, maps, documents, etc.? Try to find a source that specifically relates to your collection, even if that means finding multiple sources! And again, the condition of your item is extremely relevant when comparing prices to other listed items. Go Shopping!Next, go shopping! Do you have any favorite antique malls nearby? Then, go do some comparison shopping! Is there a favorite booth that you normally stop at? Stop there first!If possible, contact the owner(s) and ask them for some help! Most, will be more than happy to "talk-shop" with you! That's what they do for a living! Who knows? They may even offer to buy your collection, if you are so inclined to sell! In any case, you will likely come away from the meeting with much more knowledge and a better understanding of the antique value of your collection. Go! Shop! Compare! Ask Questions! Go Comparing !Go out and compare prices. (I'm sure that we've mentioned this somewhere!) The beauty of this idea is that you don't even have to leave that "comfy" chair!Check out ebay! They are an excellent source for comparing prices! Look at current auction prices. Monitor the ones that are closest to your paper item. Keep in mind, that the price usually "jumps" considerably at the end of the auction period. Go! Shop! Compare! Ask Questions! Museums, Historical Societies, and Colleges!We mentioned these institutions when we discussed how to research your paper collectible. However, we feel that they are worth mentioning again! Though they, most likely, will not put a antique value on your collection.Visiting one or many of these institutions will surely help you in evaluating the value of you collection. Again, our intention here is to force you to learn more about your collection. Why? Because product knowlege is invaluable. You can NEVER have enough! Make a call or two to create a contact! Set up a meeting, if possible! And then, listen, take notes, and absorb! If you are truly interested in learning more about your personal collection, then this will be a very rewarding experience for you!
Random Notes...If your collection doesn't really warrant a full-blown appraisal, then do a little research on your own! Invest a little time and you should be able to come up with a reasonable antique value estimate of your collection! Our Advice? If you are simply curious as to whether or not your paper collection has any value, then take your time and follow some of our suggestions listed above. If you need a specific value for a specific reason, then get an antique appraisal and have your collection professionally appraised!
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