We have all heard the horror stories. About friends or relatives who lost prized possessions to burglars, fires or careless movers. Many had their misfortune compounded when--unable to prove the value of their damaged or destroyed possessions--they were refused compensation by balking insurance companies, or were offered arbitrary and unreasonably low reimbursement.
Often, following the time-honored system of closing the barn door after the horse is gone, the victims call in The Appraiser. They hope, of course, that s/he would somehow divine--from oral descriptions, family photographs, charred or broken remains--the true value of their once-upon-a-time treasures, and thus force the insurance companies to pay up.
Alas, in most such cases, short of some serious talent for clairvoyance, even the most knowledgeable and experienced appraiser would have trouble coming up with the correct information.
It really doesn't matter if one has antiques, or just good, custom-made furniture, decorative accessories, art or rugs. A written appraisal by a certified appraiser who is a member of one of the top national appraisers' associations is the best insurance against such heartbreaking losses.
Most reputable appraisers base their fees on the time they spend on the job--not on the value of items they are asked to appraise. The latter system can lend itself to a conflict of interest.
Recommendations are always a good way to find a knowledgeable and ethical appraiser. If a referral is not available, however, it is a good idea to interview several appraisers before hiring one. Then, it is important to remember the following:
• Ask the appraiser about his/her experience. Dealer-appraisers who have
actually handled (i.e., bought and sold) the type of home furnishings
you want appraised, are better qualified than appraisers who learned
their profession from books and auction catalogues. It is one thing to
look at a photograph of an item, and another to have hands-on
familiarity with it.
• Ask about the appraiser's background and experience. Although some
appraisers are generalists, others specialize--in rugs, paintings, jewelry,
etc.--but still may accept the job, thinking they could compensate for
their lack of expertise in other areas by winging it, or doing a bit of
research.
• The fee size is not indicative of the appraiser's competence and honesty.
A low fee doesn't always mean you will save money. Nor is it a
certainty that the appraiser charging the highest fee is the one most
knowledgeable. Polite fee negotiations are appropriate--though they
may not succeed when the appraiser's fee schedule is set to industry
standards.
Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Major English Periods and Designers
English antique furniture is often referred to in general terms as "Georgian," after the three King Georges who ruled the British Isles for more than a century. This era breaks down into the following periods. (Dates are approximate.)
William and Mary --- Last decade of the 17th century
Characterized by the use of walnut and oak, spiral turned and "S"
scroll legs, bun feet, and elaborate veneers--with the introduction to
England of Dutch marquetry.
Queen Anne --- 1700 to 1720
Age of Walnut; characterized by simpler lines, chairs with
solid shaped back splats, cabriolet legs, pad or ball-and-claw feet,
and graceful curves.
Chippendale --- 1735 to 1765
Characterized by the predominant use of mahogany, with elaborate
carving, rococo, Gothic and Chinese elements, ball-and-claw feet, and
impressive proportions.
Hepplewhite --- 1765 to 1790
Characterized by elegant, refined lines and neoclassical elements
--such as carved swags of drapery, oval medallions, shield backs
to chairs, square tapering legs and spade feet.
Sheraton --- 1780 to 1800
Characterized by the wide use of satinwood for inlay and for whole
pieces of furniture; chairs with straight lines; the full development of
the sideboard; and the square, turned, or reeded leg.
Regency --- 1800 to 1820
Characterized by the use of classical and Egyptian elements,
brass inlay, use of rosewood, gilding, saber legs, and smaller
proportions.
William IV -- also known as English Empire --- 1825 to 1840
Characterized by heavier treatment to turned legs; substantial bases for
tables; and beading, and reeding for decoration--leading the way to the
Victorian design, which dominated the balance of the 19th century.
American furniture followed much the same course of development, though lagging a decade or more behind England. In both countries, during the last quarter of the 19th century, there was a revival of the furniture styles of the 18th century. These "Centennial" reproductions were made in great numbers and are often passed off as "Period" pieces. Some of them may be technically antiques now, since they are over 100 years old, but there is a vast difference in value between such a piece and the genuine article.
William and Mary --- Last decade of the 17th century
Characterized by the use of walnut and oak, spiral turned and "S"
scroll legs, bun feet, and elaborate veneers--with the introduction to
England of Dutch marquetry.
Queen Anne --- 1700 to 1720
Age of Walnut; characterized by simpler lines, chairs with
solid shaped back splats, cabriolet legs, pad or ball-and-claw feet,
and graceful curves.
Chippendale --- 1735 to 1765
Characterized by the predominant use of mahogany, with elaborate
carving, rococo, Gothic and Chinese elements, ball-and-claw feet, and
impressive proportions.
Hepplewhite --- 1765 to 1790
Characterized by elegant, refined lines and neoclassical elements
--such as carved swags of drapery, oval medallions, shield backs
to chairs, square tapering legs and spade feet.
Sheraton --- 1780 to 1800
Characterized by the wide use of satinwood for inlay and for whole
pieces of furniture; chairs with straight lines; the full development of
the sideboard; and the square, turned, or reeded leg.
Regency --- 1800 to 1820
Characterized by the use of classical and Egyptian elements,
brass inlay, use of rosewood, gilding, saber legs, and smaller
proportions.
William IV -- also known as English Empire --- 1825 to 1840
Characterized by heavier treatment to turned legs; substantial bases for
tables; and beading, and reeding for decoration--leading the way to the
Victorian design, which dominated the balance of the 19th century.
American furniture followed much the same course of development, though lagging a decade or more behind England. In both countries, during the last quarter of the 19th century, there was a revival of the furniture styles of the 18th century. These "Centennial" reproductions were made in great numbers and are often passed off as "Period" pieces. Some of them may be technically antiques now, since they are over 100 years old, but there is a vast difference in value between such a piece and the genuine article.
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