The importance of revaluation for forgotten antiques

All collectors of antiques will have got valuations for them when they bought them but just as important is getting revaluations for those antiques that have been with you for some time. The same goes with people who don’t collect antiques as such but rather have items within their homes that are either of sentimental value or have been passed from family to family with the option of one day selling for a profit.

The value of antiques can and often does change rapidly throughout the course of time, most often for the better but in some very rare cases the value can go down. If you are a seller then it is essential that you have the latest valuations on any pieces in your stock especially if the valuations would go in your favour.

Before getting your pieces re-valued you should of course make sure that they are seen in the best light possible, this means giving them the once over checking for any markings, scratches or similar that may have arisen over the time you have had the antique in your possession and of course cleaning them where necessary.

All of this can greatly affect the valuation that you are given for the piece and so of course the profit that you will make for it. You should follow the specific guidelines of the item in question when it comes to the cleaning methods used and of course if you are in any doubt at all then consult a professional cleaner/restorer.

It is not only those who are selling antiques that should get revaluations, those who are thinking of buying a specialist and very costly piece should get an independent evaluation of the item before the purchase is completed.

Depending on the type of antique in question there are specialists who you are able to consult for the valuation, if your subject is art for instance then a chartered arts and antiques specialist will be able to give you the best evaluation or revaluation. Doing it this way you can be sure that you getting an impartial and professional quote and this is essential particularly when it comes to making a sound investment or getting what you truly deserve for the antique.

If you are buying or selling at an auction house then getting a professional opinion is of the utmost importance, as auction houses deal with people all around the world through the internet and antiques will bring in more and are more respected if are backed by a specialist. When it comes to selling fine art and antiques at auction then ensure that the actual auctioneer is a member of the Royal Institution of Charted Surveyors, this means they will have very strict codes of conduct within the auction and of course this is in both the best interests of the buyer and the seller.

The basics to remember are always have get more than one revaluation, go with a specialist in your particular field of antiques for advice and if you are bidding on an item then ask for an estimate of the items worth before bidding begins and bear this in mind.