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Appraisals

Professional appraisals of antiques, estate contents, household furnishings, fine and decorative arts, vintage and luxury goods, jewelry, memorabilia, autographs, collectibles and other personal property

Unlock the Value of Your Collection

How Long Does It Take to Receive an Estimate?

At Authentic Registry, we strive to provide timely responses to all inquiries. You can expect to receive a preliminary estimate within 5 to 10 business days of submitting your item.

In certain cases—such as when an item requires deeper research or specialist consultation—additional time may be needed. Given the importance of your property, we are committed to providing the most thorough and accurate assessment possible, and we will keep you updated on your submission's status throughout the process.

If you have any questions or if your submission is taking longer than expected, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email.

How Are Estimates Determined?

Our specialists evaluate property using a comprehensive, data-driven approach based on key characteristics, including:

  • Item Specifics: Artist or maker, country of origin, provenance, and date of execution.

  • Physical Attributes: Materials, dimensions, subject matter or type, and overall condition.

  • Market Dynamics: Rarity, recent comparable sales, and historical performance of works by the same or similar creators.

There are three levels of Appraisals

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While tools like Google Lens or ChatGPT offer a quick way to look up items, AI models are programmed to output an answer no matter what—frequently resulting in educated guesses or matching against incorrect items not properly identified. Furthermore, automated tools often pull active listing prices rather than actual sold values, ignoring critical factors like item condition and regional market demand.

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Our Market Value Consultation removes the uncertainty from valuation. We pair years of hands-on appraisal experience with elite, premium research platforms to bring you a truly reliable, data-backed fair-market assessment.

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This entry-level service provides:

  • Comprehensive Identification: Professional research and origin verification for antiques, vintage items, collectibles, memorabilia, and select luxury goods.

  • Real-World Valuation: Data-backed resale guidance based on verified sales, item condition, and current buyer demand.

  • Actionable Insight: Clear information to help you decide whether to sell, keep, insure, or consign your item.

 

Ideal for answering:

  • “What exactly do I have?”

  • “What is it truly worth in today’s market?”

1. Market Value Consultation

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When a simple price check isn't enough, our Documented Written Valuation delivers a structured, written summary of your item’s identity and fair market value. Unlike the first level, this option provides a permanent, professional reference document that details your item's attributes and verified market standing—giving you clear, documented proof of value for personal collections, private sales, or family planning.

What Your Report Includes:

  • Detailed Item Description: A comprehensive physical write-up covering approximate age, origin, maker attribution (when available), and precise dimensions.

  • Condition & Photographic Record: Clear visual evidence paired with a structured assessment of the item's physical state.

  • Comparable Market Analysis: A calculated fair-market value backed by recent sales data, complete with a signed signature and expert credentials.

Ideal for:

  • Personal Archiving & Record-Keeping: Maintaining accurate records for personal collection management or household inventory.

  • Private Sales & Consignment: Presenting clear, third-party proof of value to prospective buyers or consignment partners.

  • Family Planning: Informally organizing and cataloging heirlooms for equitable distribution among family members.

2. Documented Written Valuation

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Insurance • Estate • Probate • Legal • Equitable Distribution

When an evaluation must meet strict legal, financial, or institutional standards, our Formal Appraisal Report provides the ultimate level of professional scrutiny. Unlike the prior two levels, this report is crafted to comply with rigorous industry frameworks, such as USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) guidelines and American Society of Appraisers (ASA) principles. Depending on your needs, we tailor the evaluation framework—applying a Replacement Value standard for insurance policies or a Fair Market Value standard for probate, tax, and legal property division. The result is an authoritative, legally defensible report that holds up to scrutiny from underwriters, courts, executors, and tax authorities.

What Your Report Includes:

  • Comprehensive Scope & Client Identification: Complete client details, designated intended use, effective valuation date, and explicit definitions of value (Replacement Value vs. Fair Market Value).

  • Exhaustive Property Documentation: Thorough physical descriptions, precise measurements, condition assessments, provenance tracking (when available), and high-resolution photographic evidence.

  • In-Depth Market & Comparative Analysis: Extensive market research detailing comparable sales, market trends, and the specific valuation methodology used to arrive at the conclusion.

  • Certified Legal Protection: Official limiting conditions and assumptions, appraiser credentials, relevant PACC/USPAP-compliant qualifications, and a signed professional certification complete with a notary seal.

Ideal for:

  • Insurance Coverage & Loss Claims: Securing high-value scheduled property riders or submitting formal damage and loss claims to insurance providers requiring Replacement Value.

  • Estate Planning, Probate & Tax Filings: Assisting executors, estate attorneys, and accountants with official court filings, IRS tax compliance, and probate settlement using Fair Market Value.

  • Legal Proceedings & Property Division: Supporting court cases, divorce proceedings, and family trust management requiring certified, equitable asset distribution.

3. Formal Appraisal Report

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