The PBS series has piqued our collective curiosity about all things old, causing us to look twice at the stuff we've accumulated and drawing crowds to similar appraisal opportunities. Even area antiques dealers are feeling the effects. John J. Marshall, owner of Cuyahoga Valley Antiques in Akron's North Hill area, says he has fielded a surge of inquiries in the past year from people who want to know whether their keepsakes are valuable. Appraisals can vary Just what you get in an appraisal, and even the accuracy of the information, can vary greatly, however. It depends largely on the expertise and professionalism of the person giving the opinion.
Formal appraisals are typically more involved and, consequently, more expensive.
Va. Usually the appraisal is written and signed. The appraiser has an ethical duty to be independent and objective, he says. Viewers see a quick on-camera session with the owner, but they don't see the extensive examination and research that went into evaluating the item beforehand, he notes. He's particularly troubled by quick and cheap valuation opportunities such as Internet sites that offer appraisals based on customers' photographs. Professionalism at a price Professional appraisals usually are sought for such purposes as determining replacement values on insured items, setting values for estate or gift tax purposes, helping a seller price a high-ticket item or helping a buyer determine whether a price is fair.