Do you have an old rocking chair that used to belong to your great great grandmother? What about an antique china cabinet that you found at an estate sale? These can act like focal pieces to bring interest into your home.
But if you’re trying to clean out your home or get money fast, you may be considering selling these antiques. That is if you can sell them for the right price.
“So, how much is my antique worth?” That’s a great question! But the answer isn’t so simple – it depends on a variety of factors, like age and condition.
Do you want to know how you can discover your antique’s worth? Keep reading to find out.
1. Do Your Own Research First
You should start by doing your own research. This can come in many forms. If you have a family heirloom, ask your family members if they know what period it’s from or if there’s an interesting story behind it.
If it wasn’t passed down through family members, see if you can find tips on discerning real antiques from fakes. There are probably a few key details that will let you know if you have a genuine antique or a replica.
You may also hit the internet and do an antique value lookup. See what other people are selling similar items for. You won’t be able to get an exact number from this method, but it should help you find a ballpark figure.
2. Get it Appraised
When learning how to find out what an antique is worth, you’ll probably read a lot about antique appraisers. This is the best way to get a real and knowledgeable answer. It’s their job to evaluate your piece and do an antique value lookup if needed.
You may find that their price differs from what you found on the internet. Remember, things like cracks, restorations, blemishes, edition numbers, and manufacturing year can all play a part in how much your antique is worth. You can always take it to another appraiser for a second opinion if the number seems too low.
3. Contact a Specialist or Collectibles Dealer
Do you have some niche or collectible? Things like baseball cards, comic books, or war memorabilia may be taken to a specialist or collectibles dealer.
They have expertise in the specific antique you have and know more about the niche market you’ll be selling it to. They’ll be able to give you a good price range and tell you more about your item.
How Much is My Antique Worth?
So, you’re still left with the big question: “how much is my antique worth?” Pinpointing an exact price on your own can be hard. The best way to determine worth is by doing an antique value lookup at home to get a ballpark figure. Then, get it appraised or take it to a specialist for a more exact number.
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