Antique Dealer

Antique Store Dealer - How to Get an Antique Appraisal

You can visit any antique store dealer to inquire about getting an appraisal. Just because someone sells antiques does not make them an expert at applying value. If your antique store dealer is not an appraiser, get some references. An antique appraisal is the process of putting a valuation on an antique. People are often surprised when items that have been passed down from generation over generation are taken to an antique store dealer and gotten an appraisal.

Buying online antiques is one thing, but having an appraisal done online may not be the best option. A real life and first hand appraisal done by a reliable professional should be your first choice in getting your antique valued. Make sure you work with an appraiser that has experience in the specific type of antique you have. Don't have a rug expert give you an opinion on a Chinese vase!

How Best to Begin Buying Antiques in Auction or from Dealers
About Becoming An Antique Collector. Make a point of chatting to dealers, or well-known collectors, about what has happened after an auction. A note of caution here, sometimes a really silly price is paid in the auction room, simply because two determined people badly wanted that piece.

Buying Guidance. The best advice for anyone tempted to collect any antiques would be, first, to study your choice of subject and attend auctions, meet and talk to the dealers, handle and see as many pieces as possible. You would have to expect to pay at least 10% (of the bid price) for this service.

Auctions. Strange things certainly do happen at auction! If there is only one spectacular piece amongst some fairly good items, there is a good chance of picking up a bargain, both just before and just after, the really super piece. Quite a number of buyers feel they cannot afford the time in attending such a poor auction. Then one can, if lucky, really find a bargain. Once we bought a jade snuff bottle that is so remarkably well hollowed and such a flawless piece of stone, that it was in fact sold wrongly catalogued as glass! Beyond Value.

Check my other Antique summary on Television Manual Book (1953)