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By Sarah McCullom
as published in the Del Ray Sun, April 6, 2006
Some people don’t think about any
of their things being valuable, while others think that everything they
own must be valuable, particularly the things owned by grandmother or
great aunt Ginny. We all have emotional attachment to some of our things.
The problem is that this sentimental value may not translate into monetary
value. An appraiser will be able to look at your belongings without
any sentimentality, and while their conclusions may not be what you
want to hear – they will be the objective truth. Most everything
does has some kind of value. The trick is to be able to separate the
sentimental from the monetary.
The definition of an antique is something that is over
100 years old. But again... just because it is an antique, does not
mean it has a high value. Age is only one aspect of an item. Consider
the following:
- What is popular right now? Just like buying stock,
the value of a piece can be largely determined by how many people
would like to own it. A good example is silver. The value of silver
has not appreciated much recently. The price of silver by the ounce
is not very high, and silver hollowware and flatware is greatly determined
by the amount of silver in the piece, for instance the difference
between sterling silver and silver plate. In addition, people don’t
buy silver to use like they used to. Young couples prefer to register
at Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel – not register for a silver
flatware pattern. Plus, to the young and on
the go, it’s too much trouble to polish.
- How well is the piece made? Was it made by a known
craftsman, or is it machine made? The construction
of a piece gives clues as to its age and quality. Comparing it to
others that are similar will also give clues to the quality.
- The condition of a piece is critical. If you watch
the Antiques Roadshow you have heard them talk about condition.
If there is a crack or chip in the ceramic vase the value is lower.
If a piece of furniture has been refinished or damaged, it lowers
the value. Antique toys that have not been damaged – particularly
those with the original box are much more valuable than toys that
have been played with.
- Rarity is significant as well. Clearly things that
are hard to find because most had been destroyed, or items of which
only a few were made can become very valuable.
- Provenance is very important.
That is the background and history of the piece. Something owned or
used by a well known person can gain value just because of that. A
toaster that otherwise would not be valuable, if owned by Marilyn
Monroe suddenly becomes very valuable. Any chair that documented provenance
says George Washington used has value. The better the documentation,
the better.
- And don’t forget the one that many people
don’t think about. How does it look? Is it pleasing to look
at? Is the scale right, are the proportions right? What is it made
of, what is the color? Do people look at it and just love it?
These all aspects that an appraiser looks at to determine
the value. Research is done on all of these areas as well as other factors.
Just remember that while the appraiser may not identify a high monetary
value, don’t discount your treasure. The sentimental value may
still be the most important thing to you and your family.
Sarah McCullom is the owner of Hidden Treasure Appraisals, a business
providing appraisals for antiques, fine and decorative arts. She is
a resident of Alexandria where her business is also located. Sarah holds
a Certificate in Appraisal Studies and Connoisseurship in Fine and Decorative
Arts from George Washington University. She has passed the USPAP and
ASA ethics and accreditation exams. You can reach her at ssmccullom@hotmail.com
or at 703-370-2887.
copyright Del Ray Sun 2006 |
