Authentication

How to Understand the Hummel Numbering System.



by admin on July 5, 2010

Hummel figurines can have a variety of numbers on the bottom. Each number refers to specific information about that figurine.  In this article I will explain what each number is used for and what information this number refers to. The HUM number is one of the most important numbers on your figurine, this is the [...]

Read More

7 Antique Questions You Need to Know the Answer to



by admin on June 1, 2009

As a Personal Property Appraiser I get asked many questions about antiques. In this article I have answered 7 of the most commonly asked questions. These questions come up at almost every appraisal I have done.   How old does an item have to be to be an antique? There is a great debate about how [...]

Read More

How to Identify the Wood Used to Make Antique Furniture



by admin on April 10, 2009

There are many different woods used to make antiques. It can be difficult to tell these woods apart and if the wood has been stained or painted it can be even harder to identify them. Many times lesser value woods will be stained to look like expensive woods. In this article I have provided some [...]

Read More

How to Date George Jensen Silver



by admin on February 28, 2009

An easy way to date silver is by its hallmark. A company would change its hallmark every few years during its production timeline. This was for many reasons; Some of the reasons were to keep their marks from being reproduced or to date their product. In this article I have provided some George Jensen marks [...]

Read More

7 Tips to Authenticate Antiques Using Black (UV) Light



by admin on January 20, 2009

In this article I have explained a few techniques on how to date and test for authenticity of antiques using a black light. Black lights produce Ultra Violet (UV). Many materials fluoresce under ultraviolet lighting producing colors or light that our eyes can see, and making things that might go undetected visible to us. Some [...]

Read More

The online Antiques, Collectibles Appraisal/Valuation process



by admin on October 26, 2008

Online appraisal/valuation differs from traditional appraisals because of geographical distance and lack of direct physical inspection of the subject property. The inability to inspect creates assignment conditions that are restrictive. These restrictive conditions do not prevent doing a credible appraisal.

Read More