What Is My Antique Worth?

What Determines Antique Value

Antique value is determined by a combination of factors, not just age. Understanding these factors helps you get a realistic sense of what your items might be worth.

Key Value Factors

• Age and Authenticity: Is the item genuinely old, or a later reproduction?
• Rarity: How many were made, and how many survive today?
• Condition: Original condition often commands a premium over restored pieces.
• Provenance: Documented history of ownership can significantly increase value.
• Market Demand: Collector interest fluctuates; some categories are more popular than others.
• Quality of Craftsmanship: Fine materials and skilled workmanship add value.

Age vs Condition

A common misconception is that older always means more valuable. In reality, condition often matters more than age alone.

Why Condition Matters

A well-preserved 100-year-old item may be worth more than a damaged 200-year-old piece. Collectors generally prefer items in original, unrestored condition with natural wear (called "patina") over heavily restored pieces.

Types of Condition

• Mint/Excellent: Near-original state with minimal wear
• Good: Shows age-appropriate wear but fully functional
• Fair: Notable wear, minor damage, or amateur repairs
• Poor: Significant damage or major missing parts

Tip: Don't clean or restore antiques before getting them appraised. Well-intentioned cleaning can actually reduce value.

Maker's Marks (When They Matter)

Maker's marks, signatures, and labels can significantly impact value by confirming authenticity and attribution to known craftsmen or manufacturers.

Where to Look for Marks

• Ceramics: Bottom of the piece (stamps, painted marks, incised marks)
• Silver: Hallmarks on the base or handle
• Furniture: Drawer bottoms, back panels, or paper labels
• Art: Signatures on front or back, gallery labels on frame

When Marks Don't Matter

Many valuable antiques are unmarked. Folk art, early American furniture, and handcrafted items often lack maker's marks but can still command high prices based on style, quality, and regional characteristics.

Decorative vs Collectible Value

Understanding the difference between decorative and collectible value helps set realistic expectations.

Decorative Value

Items prized primarily for their aesthetic appeal in home decor. These items sell based on how they look and fit current design trends. Value can fluctuate with interior design fashions.

Collectible Value

Items valued by collectors for historical significance, rarity, or completeness of a set. Collectible markets are driven by specialized knowledge and dedicated collector communities.

Many items have both decorative and collectible value. Understanding which market your item appeals to helps determine the best selling approach.

How Online Appraisals Work

Online appraisals provide convenient, accessible valuations without requiring in-person visits to appraisers.

The Process

1. Submit Photos: Upload clear images from multiple angles
2. Provide Details: Share any known history, measurements, or marks
3. Receive Analysis: Get insights on age, style, and market value

What Online Appraisals Can Tell You

• Estimated fair market value range
• Identification of style, era, and materials
• Comparison to similar sold items
• Market context and demand trends

Photo Tips for Better Appraisals

• Use natural lighting when possible
• Capture the entire item plus close-ups of details
• Photograph any marks, labels, or signatures
• Include a ruler or common object for scale
• Don't hide damage - show it clearly

When to Seek a Professional Appraisal

While online appraisals work well for most items, certain situations call for formal professional appraisals.

You May Need a Professional Appraisal For:

• Insurance purposes: Documenting value for coverage
• Estate planning: Fair market value for inheritance
• Tax donations: IRS requires qualified appraisals over $5,000
• Legal disputes: Divorce settlements, damage claims
• High-value items: Items potentially worth $10,000+

Finding a Qualified Appraiser

Look for appraisers certified by professional organizations like the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), International Society of Appraisers (ISA), or Appraisers Association of America (AAA). Choose someone who specializes in your item's category.