If you are the proud owner of antique collectibles, it’s essential to understand their worth. The value of an antique is not just about its age but also its rarity, condition, and the demand in the marketplace. Therefore, it becomes significant to engage the services of an accredited antique appraiser who can accurately determine the value of your treasures. However, it is equally important to ask the right questions to ensure your appraiser is well-equipped to handle the task. Here are five critical questions to pose to your appraiser.

• What are your qualifications and areas of expertise?
• How do you determine value?
• Do you adhere to USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice)?
• What type of appraisal report do you provide?
• What are your fees?

Credentials matter significantly in the world of antiques. An appraiser with solid credentials, such as membership in recognized professional organizations like The Appraisers Association of America, The International Society of Appraisers, or The American Society of Appraisers, demonstrates a dedication to their profession and adherence to a code of ethics. These organizations require their members to complete continuing education and testing.

Furthermore, understanding their area of specialization will help you determine if they are the right fit. For instance, an appraiser specializing in ancient Asian ceramics may not be the best choice for appraising your collection of American folk art.

The methodology of determining the value of an antique is a nuanced process that can be affected by various factors. A competent appraiser should be able to articulate their process clearly and transparently. The fundamental techniques used by appraisers include a meticulous physical examination, research into the provenance, comparison with similar items recently sold, and scrutiny of current market trends.

USPAP, established by The Appraisal Foundation, sets the guidelines for all appraisers in the United States. Compliance with these standards ensures that the appraisal is conducted with impartiality, objectivity, independence, and ethical integrity. An appraiser who doesn't adhere to USPAP might not provide an appraisal that can withstand scrutiny in situations where the valuation is challenged legally or financially.

The type of appraisal report offered by the appraiser is another essential aspect. A complete appraisal report should include a detailed description of the item, methodology used for valuation, market analysis, the appraiser's credentials and signature, and a statement of objectivity. Additionally, it's crucial to understand if the report is formatted to meet specific needs, such as insurance coverage, equitable distribution, estate tax, or donation.

Finally, a crucial question pertains to the cost of the appraisal. Professional appraisers should charge by the hour or project rather than a percentage of the appraised value, which could lead to biased appraisals. It's important to understand these fees upfront to avoid any surprises or misunderstandings later.

Posing these questions to your potential antique appraiser ensures that your antiques are appraised accurately, ethically, and professionally. Remember, the more informed you are about the appraisal process, the better equipped you'll be to recognize a valuable piece when you come across one. Indeed, as the aphorism of the celebrated British mathematician and philosopher Alfred North Whitehead goes, "Not ignorance, but ignorance of ignorance, is the death of knowledge."