A bitter pill to swallow

It’s easy to get carried away by a particularly old and interesting object. 

Sadly, and more often than not, age isn’t a good yardstick when it comes to value. If it was, Roman artefacts would be worth far more - in monetary terms - than they are. 

Their real interest comes in the story they tell and, as museum items and teaching aids, they’re priceless.

When we’re asked to value items we take a purely commercial view. Is it rare? Is it collectable? Are the materials worth anything apart from in their present form - think scrap values for certain metals and the value of precious gems, regardless of their use to adorn one particular item. Quite simply… What will someone pay me for this?

The buying and selling of antiques is a business, just like any other, so there’s not much room - if any at all - for sentiment and nostalgia.

It’s often the case that when someone asks for a valuation, they’re visibly disappointed by the response. There are several typical reactions. 

‘I thought it would be worth far more - it was my grandmother’s’. It may well have been but that doesn't mean it’s worth anything to anyone else or that grandma had a ‘good eye’. Grandma might only date back to the 60s at best and that is still recent in this game.

Another reaction is affront at the value suggested because either: ‘This collection was my father’s lifetime’s work’ or ‘I’ve seen them online for much more than that.’ That may be the case but how many people have a similar interest in the collection and did you see the item actually sold for the asking price? 

Probably the most painful response is: ‘That’s far less than I paid for it’. Ouch. That hurts. But it happens - often. Even to experienced Antique dealers. People get carried away thinking they’re buying a bargain that will make them a profit, especially when they get a dose of auction fever. The cure for this fever is a bitter pill to swallow.

For an accurate valuation you need to research studiously, satisfying yourself the item is original rather than reproduction (or worse, a deliberate rip off).

Check maker’s marks and backstamps (very carefully) against manufacturer’s or trade catalogues. Compare items for sale with similar ones that are actually sold. 

Check also that the item is currently in vogue. It’s a fickle business and today’s trending ‘wow’  quickly becomes yesterday’s uninteresting yawn.

If something needs repairing make sure you have the skills to do it - to a professional standard. Bad repairs are bad news. An original item (and one that’s sought after) in need of repair will often make more than one badly restored. If in doubt, leave it alone.

And seek advice from an experienced antiques dealer - it’s usually free. A quick email could save much frustration - and might even find you a buyer for your item.

Any questions?