The selection of an antique appraiser is not a casual decision; rather, it is an exercise equivalent to the careful scrutiny of an 18th Century Louis XV commode or an original Tiffany lamp. Much like these antiques, a proficient appraiser embodies a wealth of knowledge, a discerning eye, and an unerring ability to assess authenticity. Making the right choice is paramount, and to that end, certain inquiries should be made.

Before delving into the pertinent questions, it is crucial to understand the role and responsibilities of an antique appraiser. In essence, an antique appraiser deploys their honed expertise to determine the value of an object. This valuation is predicated on factors such as the object's age, rarity, condition, and provenance. Their conclusion, articulated as an appraisal, carries significant weight, often dictating the trajectory of sales, auctions, insurance claims, and inheritance disputes.

Given its import, the appraisal process is far from arbitrary. It’s grounded in rigorous methodologies, much akin to the axioms of mathematics or principles of physics. The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), for instance, are federal regulations that mandate ethical behavior and consistent performance among appraisers. An awareness of such governing tenets is paramount in the appraisal discourse.

With this background in mind, one of the first questions to pose to a prospective appraiser is about their educational background and experience. Expertise in antique appraising is often cultivated through a combination of academic study in fields such as art history, archaeology, or materials science, and practical experience in antique dealing, auctioning, or museum curation. Inquiring about an appraiser’s training will give you an understanding of their proficiency in identifying and evaluating antiques.

Delving deeper, one might consider asking the appraiser about their expertise in specific categories of antiques. This is analogous to a lawyer specializing in a particular type of law - not all antique appraisers will have the same level of knowledge about every type of antique. If your item is an ancient Egyptian artifact, for instance, an appraiser with specialized knowledge in this area would be preferable over one who primarily deals with Victorian furniture.

The next consideration is the appraiser's hands-on experience. A valid analogy would be that of a seasoned statistician who, having spent years in the field, can intuitively discern patterns in complex data sets. Similarly, an appraiser with extensive experience is better equipped to identify nuances, such as period details or signs of restoration, which may significantly affect an item's value.

The appraiser's affiliation with professional organizations is another critical point of inquiry. Not unlike a legal professional’s membership with the American Bar Association, membership in organizations such as the Appraisers Association of America (AAA) or the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) signifies adherence to industry standards and ethical practices.

One might also probe the appraiser's familiarity with USPAP. This might seem akin to quizzing a physicist about Newton’s Laws, but given USPAP’s central role in ensuring professional and ethical appraisals, ascertaining an appraiser's knowledge of these standards is vital.

Lastly, seek the appraiser's approach towards charges for their services. Avoid those who charge a percentage of the appraised value, as this violates USPAP regulations and creates a conflict of interest. Instead, opt for those who charge flat rates or by the hour.

In sum, the selection of an antique appraiser, though a complex process, can be made simpler and more effective by posing the right questions. The quest for the right appraiser mirrors the pursuit of antiques themselves – the value lies not just in the end product, but in the intricate journey and the discerning eye required to reach the destination.