Antiques from My Family - How Can I Find Their Value?

Question

I have many antiques passed down from my family. I'm posting pictures but would really like to know if anyone has ideas on the value of these things for insurance (sentimental - priceless).  Plus, I am really curious :).

Niki Hart · Answer

Since your pieces are in spectacular condition and very beautiful I would ask an insurance appraiser to have a look and give you an estimated value. Lucky you to have them!!

Somewhat Quirky · Answer

Your pieces are lovely. You can also have an antiques dealer come to your home and do an appraisal.

Barbara R · Answer

There is a page here on Facebook where you can get an 'approximate' and maybe some identifications and ages. I look at it all the time: https://www.facebook.com/groups/whatisthisidentification/

White Oak Studio Designs · Answer

Working with insurance appraisers and antiques dealers will cost money. Dealers have to stay in business, time is money, and it is not fair to ask them to spend their time and gas and appraise for free. (I've been in business all my life and learned the hard way which people where trying to gain my knowledge for free. Sometime I spent up to 5 hours putting together a researched, detailed, written quote only to have them use my quote/ideas and material in a business plan for free) So if paying is a roadblock go onto Craig's List to get an idea of what they are selling for and then come up with a price from that. It may not be exact but it will be close enough.

Jeanette S · Answer

Do some research...become amateur sleuth! A trip to the library for some books on old furniture will probably give you a good start...and even the internet can help. Google things like 'oak furniture from the late 1800s'...play with the word arrangement and you will be surprised what you find. Look for any markings and research the company or dealers that made them. Good luck. BTW, your pieces are LOVELY! Even if you don't find much on them, it is obvious they are old. I have heard that anything over 100 years old is definitely in at leas the COLLECTIBLE category.

Susi Schuele · Answer

Thanks so much. I will take all of your suggestions :). I don't mind paying for an appraisal if I'm trying to sell something but I'm not. I couldn't bear to part with these - it is more curiosity. I did look for an appraiser in my area a while back but didn't have a lot of success. And internet searches can sometimes be big rabbit holes 😃. But I'll keep trying. Thanks again!

Brenda Webster · Answer

I think it would be worth it to pay for an official appraisal. You would want sufficient insurance on these items, just in case something happened, to make sure that your heirs would inherit these lovely items.

GLHF · Answer

I've collected antiques for years and still frequent my favorite shops. It's really bad when the dealers know you by first name when you walk in! So I'm going to give you some non-professional guesstimates from a buyers prospective.

Tiger Oak sideboard, $400-600.nice conditional, smaller size, but not unusual
Picture frame (with original convex glass) $80.00 - 120.00 nice, commonly seen
Antique Rocker with tooled leather seat - this is special in part due to the barley twist spindles on the backs and sides. If the carving on the upper back crest is hand carved it is worth more than if the design is pressed wood. Can't tell from the photo. The barley twist spindles are more seen on earlier period pieces like table and chair legs in the Wm. and Mary style / Elizabethan & sometimes Gothic style pieces. If all original may be worth more than my guesstimate of $600 to 1200. Very nice and very unusual, usually = more $$.
Not sure at all about the sewing machine. Remember ...not a professional appraisal. Just my opinion as a seasoned antiques collector.
They are all very nice pieces in very nice looking condition.

Susi Schuele · Answer

Thanks so much!! I really appreciate your opinion!!

Antiques from My Family - How Can I Find Their Value?

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Antiques from My Family - How Can I Find Their Value?

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