Qualities Which Determine Value
Age is one determinate of value and possibly the first which comes to mind. An appraiser must evaluate other characteristics of an object in order to arrive at a proper valuation for an item. Among these, are qualities which make the item valuable as an example of its type, such as, a fine example of a Chippendale chair, and the qualities which make the item valuable in the marketplace. Is it rare? Let’s examine a few of the more important criteria appraisers consider.
Overall Appearance: Is the form pleasing? Are the proportions ideal? Does the ornamentation enhance the appearance or is it a bit too much? How much of the materials and colors are original? Are they appropriate to the period of manufacture?
Craftsmanship or technique: What is the quality of the craftsmanship? Was the object made according to known techniques of the time and place? Unusual construction techniques often reveal that the object was constructed with parts from several pieces. Was the object restored? If so, what is the quality of the restoration?
Attribution: Who made the object? Objects made by well known craftsmen are generally more valuable. If it isn’t signed, can it be traced to other unsigned quality work?
Provenance: Who has owned the item? Articles which have a history of ownership which extends to the original maker tend to have greater value than objects for which we know little. Provenance can be established through sales and exhibition catalogues or written and oral family histories. If a famous person made or owned the article, it can further enhance the market for the item.
Rarity: How many similar items are available in the marketplace? Usually the fewer of an item which survive, the greater the interest and reward in the marketplace. But the appraiser must consider whether people really want the item. Styles change and what was acceptable to the period of manufacture may not be desirable in today’s market.
Utility: For what purpose was the object made? Can it be used that way today? Can it be altered without destroying the object? These questions must be considered by the appraiser to determine the markets’ reaction to and desire for the object.
Condition: How close to perfect is the objects condition? Condition is extremely important. Few antiques escape being altered, cleaned, or refinished. Legs are cut down to fit lower ceilings; parts are broken off and lost; finishes are stripped and cleaned, fabrics are moth eaten. The possibilities are many. Usually, the closer to the original condition the better and the more value attaches to the object.
Age is one determinate of value and possibly the first which comes to mind. An appraiser must evaluate other characteristics of an object in order to arrive at a proper valuation for an item. Among these, are qualities which make the item valuable as an example of its type, such as, a fine example of a Chippendale chair, and the qualities which make the item valuable in the marketplace. Is it rare? Let’s examine a few of the more important criteria appraisers consider.
Overall Appearance: Is the form pleasing? Are the proportions ideal? Does the ornamentation enhance the appearance or is it a bit too much? How much of the materials and colors are original? Are they appropriate to the period of manufacture?
Craftsmanship or technique: What is the quality of the craftsmanship? Was the object made according to known techniques of the time and place? Unusual construction techniques often reveal that the object was constructed with parts from several pieces. Was the object restored? If so, what is the quality of the restoration?
Attribution: Who made the object? Objects made by well known craftsmen are generally more valuable. If it isn’t signed, can it be traced to other unsigned quality work?
Provenance: Who has owned the item? Articles which have a history of ownership which extends to the original maker tend to have greater value than objects for which we know little. Provenance can be established through sales and exhibition catalogues or written and oral family histories. If a famous person made or owned the article, it can further enhance the market for the item.
Rarity: How many similar items are available in the marketplace? Usually the fewer of an item which survive, the greater the interest and reward in the marketplace. But the appraiser must consider whether people really want the item. Styles change and what was acceptable to the period of manufacture may not be desirable in today’s market.
Utility: For what purpose was the object made? Can it be used that way today? Can it be altered without destroying the object? These questions must be considered by the appraiser to determine the markets’ reaction to and desire for the object.
Condition: How close to perfect is the objects condition? Condition is extremely important. Few antiques escape being altered, cleaned, or refinished. Legs are cut down to fit lower ceilings; parts are broken off and lost; finishes are stripped and cleaned, fabrics are moth eaten. The possibilities are many. Usually, the closer to the original condition the better and the more value attaches to the object.