You may be asking, “What is a Contextual artifact?” 

For our purposes, a contextual artifact is defined as an object that contains words, sometimes images, and is a primary source of information. Often the artifact is the first expression of its creator. Alternatively, it was made contemporaneously during the era under study. Thus, it is an original source of content whose physical format itself is an expression of cultural significance. 

Contextual artifacts tend to fall into two groupings: manuscript (i.e., one of a kind) and multiple (i.e., several available, or at least once were). ‘Manuscript’ examples include original writings, correspondence, diaries, drafts, drawings, legal records, land grants, etc. ‘Multiple’ examples can be printed works like posters and fliers as well as audio and visual recordings. And let’s not forget to consider digital files (email archiving anyone?).

Of course, there are those objects that are the exception and overlap these two categories, such as a rare first edition book warmly inscribed by the author on the endpaper to the first owner. Or the archive of a designer which consists of watercolor sketches, photograph negatives, business papers, and associated ephemera. Like life, the assemblage of contextual artifacts is rarely straightforward.

Now you’re wondering, “Should I have my contextual artifacts appraised?”.

I’m not shocking anyone by saying we’re all surrounded by words and images. But with the metaverse on the horizon, physical specimens of the written word or depicted images from a bygone era are increasingly compelling. 

I can hear you now. “Bygone? Like the 19th century?” Yes, but also the 1990s. Elder millennials are collecting their childhood. If it’s analog, it may indeed be viewed as nostalgia.

You might have family wartime letters stored away in a shoebox (and maybe I can convince you to use archival storage). Or perhaps you kept all those original posters from concerts you attended in your twenties. And don’t they have value? 

Yes, they absolutely do. BUT there are different types of value. Sentimental value to you? - most likely. Monetary value to your neighbor or alma mater? - it depends. What deserves your attention are those items that are:

(1) primary sources or rare examples,

(2) culturally important, and

(3) currently sought after in the market. 

Not sure about the last two or three? That’s where I can help.

Need an appraisal for a Contextual artifact, archives, or special collection? 

Working with a qualified appraiser is your answer, and Ahlstrom Appraisals LLC may be your solution. Get in touch today for a complimentary initial consultation.

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ImageS List

• Penny Picture Display, Savannah by Walker Evans, 1936.

• Letter with textile swatch, French, 19th century.

• California postcard of Cable Incline, Mt. Lowe Railway, issued by Detroit Publishing Company, 1899.

• Scrapbook compiled by William Ignatius Blemly, 19th century.

• Photographic print on carte de visite mount of Sojourner Truth, 1864.

• Trade card for Nathaniell Ponder, Bookseller, 18th century.

• Book entitled Rip Van Winkle by Margaret Neilson Armstrong, 1899.

• Calligraphy "Happiness" by Empress Dowager Cixi, Qing dynasty.

• Title page of Les Fleurs Animées, designed by J. J. Grandville, 1847.

• Prayer book by calligrapher ‘Abd al-Qadir Hisari, A.H. 1180/A.D.1766.

• Illustrated Diary by Kawanabe Kyōsai, Meiji period.

• Book entitled Through South America by Margaret Neilson Armstrong, 1912.

Public domain images sourced from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.