Everyone dreams of finding a priceless antique in their attic. But how do you determine whether your treasure is a valuable heirloom or something better suited for donation to Goodwill? Look for unusual markings or details on the object, then search for more information online. Check auction results at eBay and specialty auction houses for actual sales, and look up the item at a website that offers guidance on prices for antiques, such as Kovels’ Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide 2011 (kovels.com).
If you think that your item is valuable, take it to an expert who can evaluate its condition and verify its authenticity. You can also seek out vendors at local flea markets and antiques shows who sell similar items, or find an established antiques shop with a good reputation. But never rely solely on an appraisal from someone who wants to buy your item — he or she could lowball the price to get you to sell the item for a song.
Many auction houses offer free appraisals in hopes of snagging a future commission. You can also find appraisers through the American Society of Appraisers (appraisers.org), the Appraisers Association of America (appraisersassoc.org) or the International Society of Appraisers (isa-appraisers.org).
If you sell the item to a dealer, you’ll typically get 50 percent to 70 percent of the retail price. You may do better at an auction house, which usually takes a 15 percent to 25 percent cut. And if you consign several valuable items to an auction house, you may be able to negotiate a lower commission.
When deciding where to sell your items, consider how to target potential buyers and the cost of delivering items to them. Terry Kovel says she is selling local art through a local auction house, where it may generate more interest and fetch a higher price. But for other art and antiques, she tries to attract a broader audience by listing her pieces with auction houses that have live auctions as well as a Web presence. For heavy items such as furniture, Kovel relies on local dealers to reduce shipping costs.
In general, the toys that were popular with kids become valuable 30 years later, when those kids grow up and have enough disposable income to buy a piece of their childhood. But forget trying to sell a vintage baseball card, unless you have a rare card that’s in excellent condition, and even then professional authentication is a must. You can get your baseball cards graded by Professional Sports Authenticators (psacard.com) or by Beckett Grading Services (beckett.com/grading).
