Appraisals

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Appraisals and Authentication

We can often tell our client a great deal about the history or significance of their piece, and because we love furniture, we tend to research each piece when it is in our studio for treatment. We also can authenticate an items age, or if it is a reproduction; however, we do not do appraisals.

Appraisals are outside our scope of services, though we can assist a client with that process. A conservator doing appraisals is not in accordance with the AIC's ethical guidelines, as it is a conflict of interest. It is all too easy to imagine the downside for the client in being told by an unscrupulous "conservator" client that their piece is worth $50.000, and that conservation work for $20,000 will add to the value by $10,000! Also, beware of those appraisers who also do "conservation" work for customers, as they may not be professionals, and a second rate job is what may be performed.

When paying for an appraisal an/or authentication, especially if the item has the possibility of being a valuable piece, be sure to find out both the price for insurance purposes, and what it might be sold for on auction and also in a store. Besides those prices, the appraiser might know the maker, period, and location of origination. Everything should be in writing.

If the appraiser is located in a small town or has come without good references, find out if s/he is taken seriously by large auctions houses like Christie's in the city near you.

Note: We thank Debra for the use of her blankets, used as a backdrop for our pieces. They are available for sale. Contact us for information.

To Contact MPF Conservation, click here!