How Experts Appraise Antiques
Learn the methods we use – from AI analysis to provenance research – for accurate valuations
Why Proper Valuation is Crucial in 2025
- ✓ Estate settlements require fair distribution values
- ✓ Sellers maximize profits with accurate pricing
- ✓ Collectors avoid overpaying for misrepresented items
7 Key Factors That Determine an Item's True Value
1 Market Demand
Current trends and collector interest significantly impact worth.
2 Rarity & Scarcity
Limited editions, discontinued items, or low supply increase value.
3 Condition & Authenticity
Pristine, well-documented items command premium prices.
4 Provenance & History
Ownership records, celebrity ties, or historical significance add value.
5 Recent Comparable Sales
Past auction results or private sales set pricing benchmarks.
6 Economic Climate
Inflation, currency fluctuations, and buyer purchasing power play a role.
7 Expert Appraisal
Certified valuations ensure credibility and accuracy.
PRO TECHNIQUES
4 Auction House Appraisal Secrets
Methods used by Sotheby's & Christie's experts
The Corner Check Method
Pro TipWhy experts inspect corners first:
- Reveals wood types through unfinished sections
- Shows construction techniques
- Exposes hidden repairs
🔍 Try it: Upload corner close-ups to our AI analyzer
The Auction Filter Strategy
How dealers find perfect comparable sales:
- Search our 5M auction records
- Search and filter by title, date, era, condition, location
- Compare 3-5 matching items
TECH ADVANCEMENT
Our AI vs. Free Online Estimates
| Generic Tools | Our AI System | |
|---|---|---|
| Data Sources | Limited price guides | 5M verified auction results |
| Condition Analysis | Basic checklist | Image recognition AI |
| Price Accuracy | ±40% variance | ±12% variance |
Try Our Valuation Tool
- ✓ No registration required
- ✓ Get results in 60 seconds
- ✓ Free basic valuation
CASE STUDY
Victorian Chair: $300 vs $2,168
How proper identification uncovered hidden value:
- Identified Rococo Revival Carved characteristics
- Confirmed Rococo Revival under arms
- Matched to rare 1882 catalog example
Owner's Guess
$300-700
Based on generic searchesOur Valuation
$2,168
Using AI + auction data