By Martine White, ASA Bernards Appraisal Associates, LLC
Have you been collecting “stuff” for years? Do your family members “affectionately” call you a hoarder? Are you thinking about downsizing or maybe just clearing the clutter? What may look like clutter or trash, could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Episodes of the television show “Antiques Roadshow” may actually have you wondering if you do, in fact, have an unknown treasure hidden in your attic or taking a safe harbor in your closet.
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Whether it is an old painting or print, silver, porcelain, sculpture, or your pets’ favorite Oriental rug, the first question is “how much is it worth?” In today’s world, however, your treasure hunt can begin with a look on the internet. A few quick searches may give you some basic information, but they can also send you down a confusing rabbit hole with prices ranging in the thousands. If this is the case, you will be best served by going to a seasoned, accredited expert appraiser, especially one who offers appraisal valuations based on research, without an interest in buying and selling the property for their profit.
Albrecht Durer Engraving, 1501 Saint Eustace
If you happen to be downsizing or cleaning out an estate, items of value to look for include paintings, prints, sculptures, art glass, silver, lamp bases, mechanical banks, antique musical instruments, Oriental rugs, signed baseballs, and old comic books. But remember, sentimental value and marketable cash value (a selling price for an item when a buyer and seller agree) can be very different. In fact, the antiques of yesterday are often considered ‘brown furniture’ in today’s market. But not all ‘brown furniture’ is synonymous with a funeral parlor aesthetic. Seller beware, there is no price comparison between an 18th-century period antique and a 19th or early 20th-century reproduction.
Recently, while contracted to appraise an estate in central New Jersey, I was thrilled to discover a Dutch Old Master print entitled ‘Saint Eustace’ by Albrecht Durer (1471-1528). This early print, dated 1501 was the largest of all of Durer’s engravings, and he was known to showcase this piece himself, taking it with him on journeys throughout the Netherlands to present to potential buyers. Depicting the natural world in explicit detail, the saint is shown kneeling on the banks of a stream, transfixed by his vision of Christ, while his horse and hounds waited patiently for their master. After detailed research and consultations with experts in this field, I arranged to have the print sold on behalf of my client at a specialized Christie’s, London auction featuring Old Master & British Works on Paper. This rare Durer engraving brought $100,800.00 on July 5, 2022. I like to emphasize to my clients that it is not only important to know the value of your possessions, but you also need to know what you have in order to maximize your profit and find the right market. Just as location is important in Real Estate, your personal property will always realize a higher price if placed in a specialized sale of a similar property.
19th Century Engraving “Laying Down the Law”
As an appraiser of fine and decorative art, I’ve been researching personal property for over thirty years. Although I haven’t seen it all, I have a trained expert eye and a ton of experience. I always emphasize that it is especially important to know the value of your possessions prior to selling them in the open market. If you are looking to sell, an appraiser can not only establish value, they’re trained to identify the right venue. But the first step in the process is discovering what you have. Knowledgeable decisions always pay off in the end!
So whether you are moving to a new home, cleaning out an estate, or simply downsizing, make a few inquiries before you find a new destination for that dusty, old print. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Martine White, Principal of Bernards Appraisal Associates is located in Gladstone, NJ. Ms. White is an Accredited Senior Appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers and the Appraisers Association of America. She can be reached at 908-234-1153 or via email: Martine@Bernardsappraisal.com. http://Bernardsappraisal.com