Rare Antiques

The antiques market can be volatile at best. The value of an object can fluctuate rapidly – sometimes in as little as a day. Its value depends on demand. If you have a rare antique, or are thinking of purchasing one, there are three pricing categories you need to understand. The first is an objects retail value – this is the price it would bring in an antique store or any retail setting. If you were selling directly to a dealer, you would receive about half of the retail value; if sold on consignment, you would receive the retail price less any fees the dealer charges. The second category is its auction value – the price it would bring in an auction. The final amount depends on the competition among the bidders, which may or may not be spirited. There is some protection for the owner, as a minimum price can be set. The auctioneering firm will deduct a fee for its services. The third pricing tier is an object’s insurance value – what a reputable appraiser recommends it be insured for in the event of loss or damage.