Sometimes, you have an item on which you cannot find any information. Or maybe because of the price of your item, you need a written appraisal by a professional. At this point, it is time to find an appraiser. Even so, it will be helpful to know as much as you can through research about your item to make sure the appraiser is on track with their appraisal. Finding an appraiser should be something you do with care. For referrals, you can contact the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) through their web site at http://www.isa-appraisers.org/ to find a certified appraiser in your area. While some qualified appraisers may not be members of the ISA, membership requires its appraisers to be up-to-date of their techniques through meetings and continuing education courses and can be good indication of a qualified appraiser. You can also check with the owner of a local antique store to see if they can appraise items. Owners have often seen all types of antiques come through their shop and know values. Ask to see a list of the appraiser’s credentials including how long they have been an appraiser and what areas they specialize in. Always ask what they charge for an appraisal. If you have several items, they may charge a flat fee for all. Never use an appraiser that tells you the fee will be a percentage of the appraisal. No legitimate professional will base their fees on the value. Don’t be too eager to hire the first appraiser you meet. It would behoove you to visit several to see what researching techniques they use to judge the value of an antique.
Once you have decided upon an appraiser, bring the item in (or if you have several, he may visit your home). You will get a written report stating information about your antique such as age, history, condition and value. It will be signed by the appraiser and his signature is usually accompanied by a list of credentials. You may ask that a picture of your antique be included in the report for insurance purposes. Remember to keep your antique appraisal report in a safe place. And remember that if you get a written report, that report should be updated between every three to five years to stay current.