Should antique lighting be appraised? Tips on having your antique lighting appraised. "Not every piece of antique lighting has any value more than what the market will bear," says Sharon Nunnally, who has...
"Not every piece of antique lighting has any value more than what the market will bear," says Sharon Nunnally, who has been in the antique lighting business for 20 years and is the owner of Antique Lighting and Restoration in Denver. "They don't all have values of $10,000. A rare piece was discovered in Denver where a lady took a chandelier to be cleaned and the people that were restoring it discovered that it was an old Baccarat. In fact, an article was written about that particular situation and about my shop. I had more people calling me, wanting me to fix their crystal chandelier. Everybody came with 'I've got this really old chandelier, it was in my grandmother's house.' Just because it's in your grandmother's house doesn't mean it's an antique. Grandma got sick of lights too and she changed them. That's the thing to remember. If you find something that you like and if it says it's an antique, the antique lighting dealer should be able to tell you the prominence of the light meaning. That means they should be able to tell you why the light is an antique, its approximate age and its approximate style family."
Nunnally states that not every light has a story. "When people ask where I acquired most of the lights I have in my shop, I reply 'off some guy' because that's how most dealers get antique lighting."
But if you have recently acquired an older home that has many original lighting fixtures, or if you have a lamp you believe is truly valuable, you may be interested in an appraisal. Anything you can think of has a value, according to the American Society of Appraisers (ASA.). To find an accredited appraiser in your area, check with the ASA, the Appraisers Association of America, or the International Society of Appraisers. Their members must have years of experience, adhere to strict ethical standards, and continue to take educational classes. Accredited appraisers do not make offers to buy. And only written appraisals from accredited appraisers are proof of value for legal and insurance purposes. Think twice if you're considering an appraiser that's not a member of a professional group.
Don't feel obligated to hire the first name you find. Interview an appraiser before you hire him or her. Ask specifically if he or she has extensive experience in antique lighting.
Even if you use a highly reputable appraiser, consider having a trusted friend or family member with you during the appraisal. Two sets of ears can be better than one when it comes to getting the facts straight. You might want to ask the appraiser if it is all right to video him or her as they discuss your items.
If you hire an appraiser, be sure you understand your financial obligations, how long the appointment to look at the items will be, and how long it will take to receive your written report. Get all of these details in writing so there is no confusion on either side.
