Free Antique Appraisal

Editor

While many antique dealers offer free antique appraisals, not every dealer is ethical. It is important to choose a reputable company to appraise your antiques and collectibles; preferably one that you can deal with on a local basis.

Getting a Local Appraisal Is Best

There are many honest and ethical antique appraisers that do offer free appraisal services, ranging from the well-known television show Antiques Roadshow to a local historical society. Getting an appraisal by someone locally is preferable to getting an online appraisal for several reasons:

The appraiser can physically examine your item and therefore the appraisal is likely to be more accurate. This is especially true of furniture and other large items.
If there is a problem with the appraisal, you know where to go and who to talk to.
You can often ask for references from people in your area who have used the appraiser in the past.
Meeting your appraiser will give you confidence in his abilities, or it may encourage you to seek an appraisal elsewhere.
You have the opportunity to ask questions.

Although many legitimate antique appraisers offer free appraisal services, unscrupulous antique dealers advertise free appraisals services with the hopes of acquiring items at far below their actual value. These dealers will then offer to buy the items at a low price so they can add them to their stock for resale with the intention of making a high profit. An ethical appraiser will not pressure you into selling your item. In fact, most accredited appraisers won't buy your items at all. You should never sell to someone who appraises your antiques without getting a second appraisal.

Finding Local, Free Antique Appraisals

it can be difficult to locate someone locally who is willing to do a free appraisal and is also qualified to do one. Sometimes all it takes is knowing who to contact.

Free Appraisals by TW Conroy

Many accredited appraisers, such as TW Conroy of Baldwinsville, New York, offer free verbal appraisal services. Mr. Conroy, a nationally certified appraiser, offers his services as a form of goodwill to the community and will appraise up to three items for no fee. Free appraisals are offered every Thursday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. with a scheduled appointment time. Also offered are free e-mail appraisal services for those who are unable to bring their items to Mr. Conroy's gallery. Mr. Conroy has performed appraisals for clients that include:

The Federal Bureau of Investigations
The New York State Police
Universities
Fine Arts museums
National and local law firms

Finding Certified Appraisers Offering Free Appraisals

Locating accredited appraisers who offer free appraisal services may seem like a difficult task. However, it is easier than it seems. The following are suggestions for locating these services.

Call auctioneers and antique dealers in your area and ask them if they know of accredited antique appraisers that offer free verbal appraisals.
Attend or call the antique shows and events to see if they have guest appraisers.
Check sites such as iTaggit for information on upcoming free appraisals.

Free Appraisals at Lectures and Community Events

Appraisers such as the famous television personality Dr. Lori schedule fun and informative lectures throughout the United States. Everyone attending Dr. Lori's lectures, called What's It Worth, is entitled to one free verbal appraisal.

There are several ways to find community lectures and events that may offer free appraisal services. These include:

Checking community newspapers, libraries and bulletin boards
Contacting local historical associations and groups
Contacting local collector's associations and societies

Antiques Roadshow Tour Schedule

Attending a live Antiques Roadshow event is an exciting way to have your item appraised for free. The appraisers on this show volunteer their time and Antique Roadshow does not buy or recommend anyone to buy the items they appraise. The expert appraisers give verbal approximations of the value of the item brought to them.

Generally, the show hosts six live events each year with the schedule posted on the PBS website.

Finding Appraisals on the Internet

While not the best choice, sometimes Internet appraisals are the only choice. Remember that when an appraiser can only evaluate an item from a photograph, it can be difficult for him to assign an accurate value to it. You can make his job easier in several ways.

Make sure that your images are clear and sharp.
Take pictures of the item from as many postilions as possible, including the bottom.
Get good close-up shots of details.
Let him know about the item's history, if you know it. For example, if the item was owned by President Lincoln and you have a certificate of authenticity to prove it, let him know.

Always work with a reputable company. Read the company's "About Us" page and pay special attention to any certifications that the appraiser may have. Make sure that you understand what is involved in the appraisal and that it is consistent with your needs. If you are getting an appraisal for insurance purposes make sure that your insurance company will accept the company's appraisal.

Free Appraisal Sites

There are several reputable appraisal sites on the Internet.

Instappraisal is a site where other readers and antiques experts will evaluate your antiques.
Auction Wally gives you a guaranteed antique appraisal in three days.
Appraisal Day offers readers the chance to get their antiques appraised by Paul Royka, an expert who has worked with Antiques Roadshow and has also written books about antiques.

Information Is Invaluable

Free appraisals can be difficult to find but they are available when you know where to look. Ask questions, get references, and never allow yourself to be pressured into making a quick decision. Most of all, if something doesn't seem right it probably isn't. Don't be afraid to get another opinion or choose a different appraiser.

Knowing the true value of your antique is information that you need to have. Getting a free appraisal is a great way to ensure that you do.