off topic ---- appraising antiques (china, furniture)

[funkill]

Hey ya'll! No this isn't directly Airstream related but a connection can be made in less than 6 degrees... the antiques I now own are from my mother's parents - who owned a number of Airstreams.

So, I have a small storage unit that contains all the *furnishings* that are left of my grandparents estate. There are a number of large pieces (grandfather clock, buffet) and about 30 rubbermaid bins of china. My aunt helped me pack up the bins and she is a collector of such herself. She said that many of the pieces are very valuable. It is unlikely that I will ever display the pieces and feel that I need to sell them. I really don't want to continue to store them - both for monthly cost and also because they could get stolen or damaged (exp if we experience a hurricane hit in the area).

Anyone have ideas how best to handle getting them appraised or determining value? And then how to sell? I have very little time to attend to this *chore*.... fingers are crossed I'll score a job after then end of the shuttle program -- in about 3 weeks. Don't know if that deserves a (for hopefully getting a new job) or a for the end of the program.

Laura

[Darkspeed]

Hey Laura, my grandmother had an antiques store and she had a large book that was a photo reference for china with values. You may see if you can get your hands on one of those

[vswingfield]

Hi Laura,

I kind of in the same boat with antiques that I really need to sell rather than keep on paying storage. I will be watching this thread.

Best of luck on the new job. In my book, the situation rates a for the end of the program.

[overlander64]

Greetings Laura!

Most larger communities have an auction house that specializes in antiques, and many of these houses have consignment sales periodically throughout the year. If you consider one of these, I would suggest looking for the following:

• Check with acquaintances who may have had experience with the auction house.
• Inquire as to whether the auction house publishes and distributes sale bills to potential bidders.
• Inquire as to whether the auction house maintains a website with photos and descriptions of merchandise being offered.
• Inquire as to whether accommodations are made for Internet bidders including acceptance of credit cards and shipping services.
• Inquire as to whether written bids are accepted prior to the auction.

From experience within my family, I know that the best prices for quality estate antiques have been returned by an auction house that answers yes to each of the above. In the most recent experience about 1/3 of the most valuable pieces were sold to Internet bidders and shipped out by the auction house. These auction houses can usually provide an estimate of the auction value of the merchandise that you wish to sell; and a reputable auction house will advise you if there are any items that would bring a better return at a specialty auction house.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

[Lily&Me]

I would agree with Kevin.

Keep a few special items for posterity and hirer a reputable appraiser/auctioneer to sell the rest of them for you. We average bears just don't know enough to do this well ourselves.


Maggie