Valuing your antiques, where to start.

So you’ve discovered something interesting at a rummage sale or maybe inherited an antique item and you need to know it’s value; determining the value of antiques can be a complex process, and it often requires a combination of research, expertise, and sometimes professional appraisal. Here are some tips to help you:

Research:

Start by researching your items online or at your local library. Look for books, websites, and forums related to antiques, collectibles, and the specific type of items you have.

Identify the maker, manufacturer, or artist associated with your antiques. This information can significantly affect the value.

Assess the condition:

The condition of your antiques plays a crucial role in determining their value. Items in excellent condition typically fetch higher prices. Note any damage, repairs, or restoration work done on your items.

Age and rarity:

Older items are often more valuable, especially if they are in good condition. Antiques are typically defined as items that are at least 100 years old, vintage over 50 years old.

Rarity can also increase the value. The fewer similar items available in the market, the more valuable your antique may be.

Provenance:

Provenance refers to the history of ownership and any documentation that can prove the authenticity or historical significance of the item. Items with a well-documented history will nearly always command a higher price.

Style and design:

Some styles and designs are more sought after by collectors. Understanding the design trends of the era when your antiques were made can give you an insight into their value. Tastes change, often dramatically over time, today’s treasure can be tomorrow’s unwanted rubbish, and vice versa and these movements can be very difficult to predict.

Marks and signatures:

Look for maker's marks, signatures, or hallmarks on your items. These can help you identify the manufacturer or artist and verify the authenticity of the piece.

Appraisals:

Consider getting a professional appraisal from an experienced antique appraiser. They can provide a more accurate valuation and help you understand the market for your specific items.

Make sure to choose a reputable and qualified appraiser who specialises in the type of antiques you have.

Auctions and sales:

Attend antique fairs, auctions, and estate sales in your area to see how similar items are priced and sold, most auction houses are now online and allow you to view past sales.

Online marketplaces like eBay can also provide insights into the market value of your antiques, look under ‘Advanced’, top right and tick the ‘Completed Items’ tab to see achieved values.

Antique dealers and experts:

Seek the advice of antique dealers or experts in your area. They may be able to offer guidance on the value of your items or connect you with potential buyers.

Understand the market structure:

Auction houses can be considered as wholesalers and their achieved prices reflect this, they can connect you with many potential buyers, particularly as they are now all online but their fees will typically absorb 30% of the hammer price and they are slow to pay. Auction houses are not in the business of improving or restoring items but you can rely on their assessments of items, they have the expertise and experience and they will often also give free appraisals. Selling direct online will get you the retail price, that being the market price at the time, but you will need to do all the work. Antique dealers clean, restore and appraise items and for this they command probably the highest market value but they will demand a large margin, 50% is probably a reasonable working average, antiques can be slow to sell with high stock costs so this is to be expected.

One last thought:

If you involve yourself with auctions, you will see that two competing buyers can push prices very high and conversely, apparently valuable items can go under the hammer for very low prices and this effect varies from day to day and from auction to auction. Additionally, sentimental value may not always align with market value, so be prepared for the possibility that your antiques may be worth less than you expect.