Skip to main content

    Antique Appraisal

    Don't accidentally sell a treasure for $5.

    WorthPoint

    $30/mo

    Largest antique price database. Sold prices.

    Best research.

    Heritage Auctions

    FREE

    Major auctions archived. See past sale prices.

    Best historical.

    eBay sold listings

    FREE

    Filter by "sold" to see real prices.

    Best free reality check.

    Kovels

    FREE / $30/yr

    Reference books online. Trusted name.

    Best reference.

    Mearto / Value My Stuff

    $25-50 per item

    Online appraisal by experts.

    Best for one item.

    When to appraise

    • Inherited family items.
    • Downsizing — before you donate / sell.
    • Insurance for high-value pieces.
    • Estate planning for heirs.
    • Suspect something might be valuable.
    • Found at thrift store.

    DIY first research

    • eBay sold listings — type item + filter "sold."
    • Etsy similar items.
    • Google Lens — photo identifies.
    • Look for maker's marks, signatures, dates.
    • Photograph from multiple angles.
    • Check Heritage Auctions archives free.

    When to hire pro

    • Estimated $1,000+ value.
    • Insurance documentation needed.
    • Estate / divorce / IRS purposes.
    • Items: jewelry, antique furniture, paintings.
    • $50-300 for written appraisal.
    • Find ASA Accredited (American Society of Appraisers).
    • Or AAA (Appraisers Association of America).

    Local resources

    • Antiques Roadshow — free if your city is hosting.
    • Local antique stores — sometimes appraise free.
    • Auction houses — Sotheby's, Christie's for high-end.
    • Heritage Auctions — free email evaluations.
    • Don't take to pawnshop — they lowball.

    SCAM warning

    • Roadshow ads = often scam.
    • "Buying gold/silver" ads — usually pay 30% of value.
    • Door-to-door "antique buyers" = avoid.
    • Get 2-3 quotes before selling valuable items.
    • Never sell to person who hard-presses.

    Online auctions

    For valuable items: Heritage Auctions, Sotheby's, Christie's, Bonhams. Free consignment. Items 6-12 months to sell. They take 25%+ commission. Reach broader buyers = higher prices. Free initial evaluations to estimate before consigning.