What to Do After an Appraisal of Antique Artwork

July 9, 2023
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Table of Contents

Introduction

When it comes to antique artwork, appraisals can be essential for establishing an item's true worth. Knowing when to get an appraisal, what to bring, and other factors can be difficult to assess, however. In this article, we'll explore the process of appraising antique artwork, from start to finish. We'll discuss what type of appraisals are available, how to find a qualified appraiser, and more.

How do you know if you need an appraisal of antique artwork?

When you own antique artwork, it is important to know its true worth for insurance and estate planning purposes. You should consider an appraisal if: -You are inheriting artwork and want an accurate record of its value. -You are considering selling or donating the artwork and want to understand what it is worth. -You have had the artwork for a long time and want to see if it has increased in value. -You have had a major life event, such as a death or divorce, that affects the ownership of the artwork. -You want to insure the artwork and need to understand its value for insurance purposes. Appraisals are an extremely useful tool for understanding the true value of your antique artwork, and can help you make more informed decisions about your collection.

What types of appraisals are available for antique artwork?

When it comes to appraising antique artwork, there are multiple options to consider. The most common type of appraisal is a market value appraisal, which is an opinion of the fair market value of a piece of artwork. This appraisal is based on research into similar antique artwork sold in the past, as well as what the piece is currently worth in the market. Other types of appraisals available include an insurance value appraisal, which is an estimate of what it would cost to replace the artwork; an estate value appraisal, which is an estimate of the value of the artwork for tax purposes; and an intrinisic value appraisal, which estimates the artwork's value based on factors such as its artistic merit and historical or social importance. Ultimately, the type of appraisal you choose will depend on your needs and the purpose of the appraisal.

How do you find a qualified appraiser for antique artwork?

Finding a qualified appraiser for antique artwork can be tricky. You want to ensure you’re getting top-notch expertise, so it’s important to take your time and do your research. Start by asking for recommendations from people you trust, and read reviews from other customers. Make sure the appraiser is well-versed in the type of antique artwork you are appraising. Ask to see certification and credentials, such as a certification from an accredited appraisal organization, or an appraisal diploma from an accredited institution. The appraiser should also have experience in the type of artwork you’re appraising, proven by a portfolio of previous appraisals. Finally, make sure to check the appraiser’s references and ask detailed questions about the appraisal process. When you’ve found a qualified appraiser, don’t hesitate to ask for a second opinion. With a bit of research, you can find the expertise and confidence you need in an appraiser.

How long does it take to appraise antique artwork?

The time it takes to appraise antique artwork can vary considerably depending on the type of artwork and complexity of the appraisal. For highly detailed and intricate works, such as antique tapestries, oil paintings, and sculpture, the process can take anywhere from several days to several weeks. It can take even longer if the appraiser needs to conduct additional research or consult with other experts in the field. Once the appraisal is complete, the appraiser will provide an appraisal report to the client. The report will outline the appraiser’s findings, along with any relevant historical or technical background information that was considered during the assessment. Ultimately, the appraisal process for antique artwork requires a certain level of skill and expertise, so the most important factor to consider when selecting an appraiser is their experience and level of expertise.

What factors does an appraiser consider when assessing the value of antique artwork?

An appraiser considers a variety of factors when assessing the value of antique artwork. First, they assess the condition of the piece. Any chips, cracks, or flaws in the artwork can significantly reduce its overall value. Age, provenance, and rarity are also important factors to consider. Pieces that are very old or are from well-known makers may be worth more due to their greater notoriety. Another factor is the material quality of the work. Artwork crafted with high-quality materials or techniques tends to be more valuable. Finally, the appraiser looks at any recent market trends. If a style of antique artwork is becoming popular, it may become more valuable as collectors search for it. By taking these factors into account, appraisers can accurately assess the value of antique artwork.

What documents should you bring to an appraisal of antique artwork?

Before your appraisal of antique artwork, it's important to make sure you bring all the necessary documents. An appraiser may need to view the artist’s signature and brush strokes, so be sure you have the artwork itself with you. Additionally, any paper documentation you may have related to the artwork, such as a certificate of authenticity, an appraisal report form a prior appraisal, a purchase receipt, shipping documents, or any letters related to the artwork should be included. It's also wise to have photographs of the artwork, both before and after it was cleaned or restored. Any other documents, such as a will or deed, that may prove ownership and affect the value of the artwork should also be provided. Finally, it’s also important to bring information about any research you may have conducted on the artwork. By having all of the necessary documents ready, you can ensure that the appraisal process proceeds smoothly and accurately.

What additional information should you provide to the appraiser?

It is important to provide the appraiser with as much information as possible about the antique artwork piece or pieces being appraised. This can include any documentation you may have about its provenance, any records of its history, and detailed photographs with angles from all sides. Additionally, you should include any information about the piece you have such as what you want to appraise it for, how you acquired it, and any other noteworthy details. It may also be helpful to provide any accurate measurements of the piece as well as any additional information about its condition. In all, the more information you can provide upfront, the easier it will make the appraisal process for the appraiser.

How is the value of antique artwork determined?

The value of antique artwork is determined by many factors such as age, condition, rarity, provenance, artist, and market demand. Age is one of the main criteria in determining the value. An antique artwork is generally considered to be at least 100 years old, although this can vary. Condition is equally important as a damaged piece may have less value than an undamaged piece. Rarity is also a factor, with more limited pieces being of higher value. Provenance or the history of the artwork can also influence the final value. Finally, the artist's reputation and the current market demand for their work can also affect the value of a piece. All of these factors are taken into consideration when an antique artwork is appraised and a final price is assigned.

Is the appraisal of antique artwork transferrable?

No, appraisal of antique artwork is not always transferrable. The appraisal certification is for the artwork itself and only remains valid for the specific piece being appraised. The appraisal is only valid for the owner of the appraised piece at the time of the appraisal. If the ownership of the antique artwork changes, the appraised value of the item can change as well and the appraisal is no longer valid. An additional appraisal should be done by a qualified appraiser to ensure a valid current appraisal value for the artwork. It is important to be aware of any changes that may occur in the value of artwork over time and to monitor the appraisal by having periodic appraisals. Established appraisers can evaluate the artwork and provide the owner with an accurate assessment of its current worth.

What are the benefits of getting an appraisal for antique artwork?

An appraisal of antique artwork is a smart decision for anyone looking to invest in the art market. Appraisals provide an objective value assessment and a detailed report of the artwork’s age, quality, condition, and more. This provides valuable insight for anyone considering buying or selling the piece. Additionally, an appraisal can be vital in determining insurance coverage for the artwork in case of theft or damage. Furthermore, an appraisal can be a crucial defense if legal questions arise over ownership. An appraisal gives an independent, certified document of the artwork’s value and is an essential tool for any collector interested in buying, selling, or insuring antique artwork.

Conclusion

An appraisal of antique artwork can provide invaluable insight into the true value of the artwork. Knowing the right questions to ask, finding a qualified appraiser, and having all the necessary documents on hand are all crucial components to the process. AppraiseItNow offers all types of appraisals, including for antique artwork, to help make the process as stress-free as possible.

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