Anyone who wants to sell an heirloom, a painting or a piece of furniture asks the same question: what is it worth? The honest answer is that value cannot be captured in a single number. Yet there are fixed points a dealer looks at. With them, you can already make a good first estimate yourself.
Maker and attribution
A signature, stamp or mark of a known maker can strongly affect value. Note that a signature alone proves little. A work that can be securely attributed to a maker is worth more than one "in the style of" or "circle of".
Condition and originality
Original parts, an old finish and honest wear are appreciated. Heavy restoration, replaced parts or a new coat of varnish lower the value. So do not clean or refinish anything before an expert has seen the object.
Provenance
Old invoices, auction catalogues, labels, family photographs or letters tell the history of an object. Well-documented provenance gives buyers confidence and often raises the price.
Rarity and demand
Taste changes. Some heavy, dark furniture is less in demand today, while curiosities, good paintings and unusual decorative pieces are sought after. The market determines value, not age alone.
Where to find comparable prices?
Hammer prices of comparable pieces at auction give a realistic picture. Mind the difference between an asking price on a classifieds site and a price actually paid.
Valuation or direct sale?
A formal valuation is useful for insurance or an estate, but it costs money. If you want to sell, you can also send photographs to a dealer without obligation. Art-Leap buys art, antiques and curiosities and gives you an honest assessment.
Tips for good photographs
Photograph the object in daylight, from the front, back and underside. Also photograph signatures, marks, labels and any damage. State the dimensions and what you know about its history.