How do you find out how much antique lamp is worth?

Answer 1

== == Most antiques like furniture, have a number either behind it or underneath. This number can be looked up in the public library, ask the librarian. I have not tried to look up the number on the internet but will try soon. I have found the age of items like vases collectibles by doing searches on the internet, most dishes and other items may have markings or a makers name on it and this makes it easily searched. This will make it easier to determine the worth of the item.

A good guide is to look on eBay in completed sales. This will give you an idea of what things are fetching. 'Miller's Guide' is a good source book for valuations.

Answer 2

Antiques are usually priced by the age and history of the object. For example, if there are two similar old, intact objects, and one belonged to a middle-ranking person, while the other was the property of the king's palace. Chances are, the object that was in the palace would be worth more than the one owned by the middle-ranking person.

I would ask the Community at "I Antique Online" (see Related Links). They have more than 1300 members who buy, sell or collect antiques and art. You will get more specialized feedback this way.

Antique values can also vary greatly based on geography - what's hot in California (say Mission furniture) and what's hot in New York (say American Empire furniture), make the value of each completely different based on location - in other words, Mission furniture is likely to be cheaper in New York. Learning, and educating yourself about antiques is probably one of the best ways to understand overall values - there are even some school's out there such as the Asheford Institute of Antiques or the ISA that teach and offer courses to people about history and valuation of items - these are probably good starting points if you really want to learn the in's & out's of antique values..

I would first like to add to this that condition is extremely important in valuing antiques. If you see something in mint condition getting $1000 and your item has repairs, paint loss, etc., yours could be worth less than half. This often depends on the demand and rarity factor for the specific item. Generally antiques are valued by what they historically and recently obtain when auctioned off at reputable auction houses. In other words, they are worth what people are willing to pay for them. Anyone dealing in antiques will tell you that there are noticeable periods where some antiques will rise in value because their particular style has become popular. This would apply to things like furniture, home decor, art to some extent. Collectibles are also subject to this, with people wanting to buy old toys and things that they remember as a child.

Answer 3

You buy a copy of "The price guide to Antique Furniture" published by the Antique Collector's Club. Or, you photograph your pieces and digitally send the photos to an auction house or good quality antiques dealer. preferably a BADA member.

Answer 4

This will take research on your part. Get books from the library or go sit in an section of a bookstore that has collectible and antique books. Start looking for things that look like your item. Take it to a museum they may be to tell you what it is. Look and see if there is any markings or maker on it. Is it metal? Is it wood? is it a tool? what does it look like it is? All of these things are hints that could lead you to what it is.

Answer 5

Try comparing it to similar items on Ebay.

I'd like to add that you should note anything embossed on the stove that will help you date it and find out information about the manufacturer. Make sure it has all its parts. This will help you a lot when you are ready to sell it. Some stove manufacturers are in more demand than others.

Answer 6

There are any number of avenues you can take.

For one, post more specifics on this site's questions about individual pieces.

You can ask for help on another similar forum where you can post pictures and such for more accurate estimates.

You could contact a dealer online, on the phone, or in-person to ask for some help with it. Many general dealers like myself will be able to at least point you in the right direction when it comes to jewelry, and we rarely mind helping someone out from time to time.

If it's fine, antique jewelry of precious metals and gems, you could also contact an auction house to appraise or estimate the items if you're looking to sell them. There are also numerous auction houses and companies that do appraisals for curiosity, insurance, resale, or general estimates, for a fee of course.

Answer 7

The best way for you to appraise the value of antiques is to take your items to a professional appraisor. he will have the best idea of an items real worth.

Answer 8

You need to call a antique appraiser.

Answer 9

Books, appraisers, auctions.