This site is a volunteer one, so when you leave a listing, it may be a while before someone else with that interest area replies. Be sure to indicate WHAT you are looking for! I see a number of items here where the poster appears to already have all the information. It's neat to look at the item but puzzling when they later ask if anyone is going to respond. So indicate what you are looking for!
I find it's best to give as much detail as you can; Markings, design details, sizes, construction material, any history you truly do know about it (provable!), where you purchased/obtained it (often gives a hint as to where it might be from), and so on.
Be targeted on your subject line. Don't just say "iron works" for example, say "Wrought Iron floor lamp" so that searches can find it amongst the clutter!
When you want an update on it, be sure to mention the subject of the first so that people will go look for it and find it easily. (make it hard and they won't do it!)
It's important to get all parts and details listed. For example; I replied a short time ago about a Wrought Iron Lamp. It was the photo details such as the feet that helped me to suggest what I thought it was.
Remember though, that some objects do not lend themselves well to 'remote' appraisals. Paintings are an example: There are so many things that need to be looked at that simply are not visible in a photo. There are also tests that should be done in a number of cases that require physical access to the painting - you simply can't do it over the internet! Usually in that case you get a wide range of possible values and answers and usually a suggestion of getting it physically appraised.
Finally, remember that you are mostly looking at replies from studious amateurs here. There are some professionals and semi professionals but they have to be very careful when they reply. Firstly, it's part of how they make a living, so to provide it free is counter productive to them (they may do it as a type of "loss leader") and secondly if they make a 'mis-diagnosis', which is easy to do when only working from a brief description and a fuzzy photo, then at best their reputation is tarnished and at worst they may have legal implications (unlikely but possible).
Say, for example, they are cautious and advise you that the object is worth $50. You sell it and later find out that what this professional told you was only $50 re-sold now for $500,000.00 (and things like that have happened!). Some people would now try and get some satisfaction from the 'shoddy advice supplied by a professional'. Not pleasant and doesn't consider the adage "you sometimes only get what you paid for".
So treat the answers as a rough guideline only. It may only indicate that you should do further research or not. This is only a starting point really. To get better ideas and identification it is wiser to at least follow up with sites that are dedicated to the specific collecting you are doing.
Again Welcome!
Garry
--------250Chief---------Primary Vintage and Antique areas of interest:Bells (brass and glass), Mining MemorabiliaOil Lanterns, Fire Dept MemorabiliaRailroad Material, Unique ItemsChromatic Glassware
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