I inherited to homes several years ago, my fathers and my grandparents. There are hundred of items that I am concerned about just throwing in a yard sale. There are pictures, 100's of books from 1875 - present, Leica IIIG camera, 1900's carpenters box with finish tools, china, furniture, 1960's board games, tonka truck, toys from 1930's I think etc. My question is there a qualified appraiser in Massachusetts that could possibly place values on these wide array of items or should I just go the yard sale route?Thank you for your time
Good Morning,Where in Massachusetts are you perhaps I can recommend a personal property appraiser in the area?From the sound of it though it sounds like standard garage and estate sale items. The toys could be good if they are the old metal tonkas as well as the toys, look for first editions and signatures in any books, the camera may be an online sale, not sure if pictures means artwork or not. But that is a basic over view from what you have said. I would be happy to help however I can please let me know,Thank you for your time,Frank
Thank you for your response, I live in Lancaster, Ma 12 miles from Worcester. By the sound of it would you think an appraisal of these items a waste of $$? I know the information I provided is limited but there are so many items. As you know these days when you turn the TV you see all sorts of shows that have items found that have greater value. Just didn't want to be throwing away items that have a potential value. I just didn't know . as the many of the items pre-date the 1940's and I'm certain there are some from pre 1900 whether I needed an appraiser with antique/vintage experience.
Thank you for your help
Doug
Hello Doug,Generally onsite personal property appraisals charge for an entire house can be anywhere from 75-125 an hour. I always recommend an appraisal before any sale, you may be paying a fee but it can make you money in the long run especially if you have items that could be put into auction or on consignment. I will tell you this though about the selling aspect, the condition plays a big part in the sale of most pieces if you are looking to realize high prices. You can have metal toys that value for a couple hundred dollars but if they are rusted and destroyed then they are not worth much. Below are two websites for local antique dealers. The first is an appraiser, they would be able to help you appraise and even try to consign items. The second is a liquidator, they do more buying and clean out type work, in that they will offer you a price for everything in the house. This may be a valuable resource if you are looking to empty the houses for sale or transfer of the homes.http://upyouratticantiques.com/http://www.aandaantiques.com/Thank you for your time this morning, if there are any single items you may be interested in our experts at Just Answer would be happy to take a look,Frank