The journey to obtain a qualified appraisal for donated cultural property can be bewildering. This guide is intended to help donors better strategize their appraisal plans for the donated cultural property for which they intend to receive an IRS tax deduction.
Read moreArt Market Transformed by Shifting Boundaries
Historically slow to adapt, the art market is experiencing more online sales, blurred boundaries between galleries and auctions, a widening gap between the top and middle tiers of the market, and the pioneering frontier of crypto art.
Read moreSolve A Value Mystery
“What’s it worth?” You think it would be easy to figure out. But there can be several answers to such a question, with some more accurate than others. Context is key when appraising fine art, rare books, and material culture.
Read moreTips for Documenting Ownership of Art & Antiques
One method for safeguarding your collection is to create an object “pedigree'“ substantiated by factual proof. In other words, maintain an inventory with supporting provenance whenever possible. The following are a few tips to better document your collection of art and antiques. Do the best you can, and reap the benefits for years to come.
Read moreExplanation of Market Levels for Art & Antiques
Did you know that the marketplace has several different levels in which an item can be monetarily exchanged? It all depends on the circumstances surrounding the sale. The following is a brief overview of the types of markets and general factors for each level.
Read moreUnderstanding Valuation Terms
Did you know that the same item may have several different appraised amounts? Figuring out the right type requires an understanding of context. Learn about valuation terms frequently used when evaluating personal property so that you can better communicate with a Qualified Appraiser.
Read more"Certified”: Its Real Meaning for Appraisers of Personal Property
The way that appraisers use the word “certified” when describing their qualifications can be revealing. Unlike real estate, there are no US governmental agencies that regulate personal property appraisal practices. Technically, anyone can claim to be an appraiser. So how do you discern who is a professional and qualified appraiser?
Read moreWorthwhile Magazine: Take a Look
Are you intrigued by the world of collecting, connoisseurship, and issues surrounding value? Then consider Worthwhile Magazine™ - an online repository of appraisal knowledge accessible to the general public and professionals alike. Discussions include evolving practices and current scholarship used when valuing the various fields of collecting.
Read moreAuction in Translation: Terms Commonly Used
The auction world can even seem like a mysterious culture especially for newcomers who want to participate in selling and/or buying. But have no fear - below is a glossary of frequently used auction terms that can be referred to by novices and veterans of the auction business alike.
Read moreLess Is More: Your Downsizing Journey
Many of us have a large quantity of belongings that must be sorted and evaluated. What is an excellent early step to alleviate some of the burden? Hire a professional appraiser who can both catalogue and provide an unbiased opinion on the value of the property.
Read moreBefore You Have An Estate Sale
Estate sales have become increasingly popular in the past decade with Baby Boomers downsizing and the growing popularity of a “less is more” lifestyle. The brevity of the sale is often a relief to the overwhelmed owner or relative. However, it is important that valuable pieces do not fall through the cracks with a dealer or picker benefiting from the mistake.
Read moreBeware of Certificates of Authenticity
Not all Certificates of Authenticity are created equal. In fact, very few of these documents provide the seal of genuineness and added value that they denote. The expression “caveat emptor” extends not only to the artwork but to the certificate as well. Learn about what to look for in a legitimate COA.
Read moreNew Rules on African Ivory
Teapot, 1832-34
Sèvres Manufactory (French, 1740–present)
Hard-paste porcelain, silver, ivory
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 554
Learn more about the teapot.
Unlike the famous Stevie Wonder song “Ebony and Ivory,” ivory is no longer living in harmony in the eyes of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Many clients are surprised to discover the many rules and regulations surrounding the sale of decorative objects and musical instruments that have an ivory component.
Read moreBrown Furniture Blues
What is brown furniture you may ask? It’s a term commonly used for carved wood furniture mostly made in Europe or America during the 19th and early 20th century. Reports indicate that brown furniture prices experienced an average loss of 50% in value in the past five years. What happened to these poor wooden creatures?
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