How to research heirloom values

I recently had a question posted on Linked in saying "I have some antiques from my relatives who have passed away. How do I research to find out what they are worth? Help!"

There are a lot of ways to get a valuation, if you know what you have (for example, you know you have a Lalique vase, and a Fenton Ruffle Bowl, etc) you can research sold lots for free in eBay's advanced search tool. eBay auctions can be all over the map though. I recommend you might also search for sold and live lots for free at www.liveauctioneers.com.

Sometimes local museums or swap meets will have free or low cost appraisal days, so I would look into those in your area to see if any are coming up.

If you have a lot of items and you aren't sure what you have, hiring an appraiser might be the best thing to do. If you decide to hire an appraiser to come take a look and tell you what you have, you can find appraisers at The Certified Appraisers Guild of America (I am a member there), The International Society of Appraisers and The American Society of Appraisers.

The Expert Estates Reference Library

Come over to the store at 151 N Mill Street in Tehachapi whenever you want to do your own research on your collections. We have a free reference library available to anyone whenever we are open. We are always adding new books to our library. This week we are getting the current gun price guide, an estate jewelry book and a new book on elegant glass. We have price and history reference books on a wide variety of topics:

• pottery
• furniture
• glass
• rugs
• art
• oriental ceramics
• flow blue
• kitchen gadgets
• golf equipment
• toys
• dolls
• and more!

We always welcome customers, dealers, collectors and anyone who wants to come for a visit to stop in and take a look at our library. It is always fun learning a little history on the things you have in your home or in an estate! Come see us soon and discover something new.

Finding Qualified Appraisers

Here are and tips from Estate Sales News with links to appraisal associations. ASEL does not certify appraisers, but does provide contact information for their local member estate liquidators. Expert Estates is a member of both the American Society of Estate Liquidators and the Certified Appraisers Guild of America.

Personal Property Appraisers – several different associations | Estate Sales News.

There are several appraisal societies and each one has certain criteria that members must meet. Some estate sales companies offer appraisal services, however, that does not make them appraisers. They may be experienced and knowledgeable, but belonging to one of these associations includes a code of ethics as well as specific appraisal education.