How Do You Choose An Antique Appraiser?
There are many reasons you might need to get an appraisal on an antique. For example, you might want to sell the piece and need to be sure you are getting a fair price. You might want to insure the piece and need to know its value to ensure it is adequately covered. Or you might want to donate the piece and need to know how much you can claim as a tax deduction. In any case, you need a professional antique appraiser. Consult professional appraisal organizations. Societies that educate and accredit appraisers, like appraisers.org and The Appraisal Foundation, can be found online and have information on how to tell an accredited appraiser from one who is not. They also can give you a list of their members in your area. Interview the appraiser. Ask him why he is qualified, and ask to see his certification paperwork. Determine his fee up front, and ask what that fee covers. Make sure the fee includes a typewritten report including why the appraisal was performed, a detailed description of
