A furniture appraiser determines the worth of items. His assessments are based on a number of factors, including age, designer, condition, and market value. A formal written appraisal, along with a declaration of the validity of his judgment and expertise, includes the value he assigns to the furnishings.
For a variety of reasons, people seek the services of a furniture appraiser. They may simply be curious about the value of an item they found in their grandmother’s attic or bought at a garage sale. More often than not, an appraisal is used to assign a monetary value to an item that is being bought or sold.
Furniture appraisers may also work for a variety of businesses. Before proceeding with bankruptcy proceedings, banks, for example, may require an official furniture appraisal. Before issuing a homeowner’s insurance policy, furniture appraisers frequently provide appraisals to insurance companies. A furniture appraiser may also collaborate with a moving company to appraise furniture prior to transport to avoid disagreements over its value if damage occurs during the move.
A furniture appraiser usually includes designer and brand names in his evaluation, in addition to a written assessment of value. The appraisal usually includes a video tape or photographs of the furniture from all angles and sides. The general condition of the items, as well as any historical references that are relevant, are usually included in the appraisal.
The furniture appraiser must be well-versed in current market trends and values in order to accurately determine the genuineness and value of the pieces. He must also have a trained eye for detecting forgeries. His furniture knowledge should be extensive, including an understanding of the markings, styles, and materials used to identify antiques and period pieces. It’s useful to know how rare the piece is and how its condition compares to similar market offerings.
Appraisers who have a good reputation for being fair and accurate are always in demand. Auction houses and antique stores are likely to hire them. If the goods are to be auctioned, furniture appraisers are required during the appraisals of large estates. It’s common for an estate appraiser to measure and photograph furniture. He compares his photos to catalog images to compare the values of similar or identical pieces when he’s not on the job.
Furniture appraisers receive a variety of training and education. Some auction houses and large antique dealers demand that appraisers they hire have prior experience working in galleries, retail stores, or auction houses. Assistant appraiser positions at reputable establishments are frequently sought by those interested in a career in furniture appraisal. Many appraisers gain their knowledge through self-study. A mentor willing to teach aspiring furniture appraisers the trade in exchange for administrative or research work may also be found.