Great-Grandfathers Humidor/Smoke Stand from early 1900's....

Question

I have inherited my Great-Grandfathers Humidor/Smoke Stand...  I would like to have it insured but I have no idea what sort of monetary value to place on it.  Any ideas?

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

There may be a company which does appraisals in your area - or an antique dealer might be able to give you a figure.

Valerie · Answer

I do not have an answer for you regarding insurance, but wanted to say that it is a beautiful piece. The tin and pipe really add character to it. I would suggest that you have a piece of glass cut to place over the top to protect it from any potential damage.

JoAnn · Answer

First of all, it is a great piece. Are there any markings at all on the bottom? I have a friend that googles the item from the time period. If you have an idea of when he bought it that is a good place to start. As a last resort I would call the insurance company and ask them to recommend someone. Good luck, cherish the memories.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I would research a reputable appraiser in your area .I would also get more than one opinion as having just gone through this with a very old secretary desk I feel I was taken on the value.

Karlotta Stephenson Brown · Answer

contact a reputible local antique dealer they should be able to give you the names of appraisers in your area, also contact your insurance company as they may want a specific appraiser used for insurance purposes. Keep in mind that not all appraisers are the same so you need to be sure that it is someone that your insurance company will honor their appraisal.

Suzette Trimmer · Answer

Janet, you and me both. Excellent topic to bring up for everyone on this site. How do we all protect ourselves from appraisers who RIPE US OFF. I live in Philadelphia, a hub for antique appraisers and though they have a license or say have been seen on Antique Road Show you'd think they'd all be vetted and have scruples but how do we really know?? I had an 'official licensed Appraiser' who appraised an item as not really all that valuable, so at his prompting, I sold it to him. A month later my friend was in his store seeing my unique item on the floor for sale at three times what he offered me. I like you have had bad experiences how do we help protect others from what happen to us?

Karen · Answer

I think everyone has given great advice. I'd definitely get two independent appraisals from larger cities.  Markings are so important but often master appraisers can identify an unmarked piece to be by a desired source where less qualified appraisers miss that value. I'd also find out the best way to care for the wood. What a great piece of your loved ones.

Janet chambers · Answer

I always use justask.com. You only pay a minimal fee. You can find out what it is worth but you can't get any kind of paper work with it. If you have a powder room or small bathroom, it would make a gorgeous vanity with a vessel sink.

Suzette Trimmer · Answer

Barbara, wow thank you so much for going out of your way to help inform me. I did immediately learn my lesson the hard way. However; the question and thought trend made me think, how can this site help others be forewarned, offer tips, etc? I am a huge fan of this site, as such believe we can do so much more for average folks, for instance, provide proverbs from experts, to help kind good people on here from becoming victims of the enormous amount of scams out there. 
Allow me to say as equally important, I am not going after any standards or steadfast rules and regulations. This is known for the artistic creative types, none of that applies to us...we are all proudly OUT of the BOX thinkers! 
Lets, just say anyone or everyone consider the topic as food for thought. If we do not try or attempt growth is unattainable.

Psellers · Answer

But with something that is antique, do NOT refinish or do anything to it. It will diminish the value.

Janet chambers · Answer

Sorry, your right, I didn't think about the humidity!

Bottomley Joe · Answer

I would highly suggest these apps oh, they're reliable and it might cost you a little to get an appraisal. Or try Pinterest, look under antique smoking tables. They give prices also.

Bottomley Joe · Answer

This is just one example I took a screenshot on Pinterest. There's a lot more on there. At least they could give you an idea, comparable to others.

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Great-Grandfathers Humidor/Smoke Stand from early 1900's....

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