Antique Valuation Guide: What Is My Antique Worth?

How to Check What Your Antique Is Worth

Identify the maker, material, approximate period and condition, then compare several recent sold examples of similar items. Match dimensions, completeness and repairs rather than age alone. Unsold asking prices and old insurance appraisals do not establish what a buyer will pay today.

1. Photograph the full item, maker marks, signatures and any damage.
2. Find comparable completed sales and record the sale date, condition and price.
3. Check whether auction results include a buyer's premium and which seller costs would reduce your payout.
4. For an uncertain attribution or a potentially significant piece, consult an independent category specialist before accepting an offer.

What Makes an Antique Valuable?

The value of an antique is determined by a combination of factors, and understanding them can help you make informed decisions about selling, insuring, or keeping your items.

1. Age & Authenticity

Generally, an item must be at least 100 years old to be considered a true "antique." Items 20–99 years old are typically classified as "vintage." However, age alone doesn't guarantee value — a mass-produced item from 1890 may be worth less than a rare, handcrafted piece from 1960.

How to verify age: Look for construction methods appropriate to the era, original hardware, natural patina, and maker's marks that can be cross-referenced with historical records.

2. Rarity

Rarity can support value when buyers want the item. Limited production, unusual variants and documented regional makers are worth investigating, but scarcity alone does not establish a selling price.

3. Condition

Condition can materially affect buyer interest and price. Compare examples with similar wear, originality and repairs rather than applying a fixed discount. Key factors include:

• Original finish vs. refinished
• Structural integrity (cracks, repairs, replacements)
• Completeness (all original parts, matching sets)
• Functionality (does a clock still work? does a music box play?)

4. Provenance

Provenance is documented ownership history. Receipts, dated photographs, exhibition records or reliable estate records may support identification and buyer interest. A family story without documentation should be presented as a story, not a verified attribution or a guaranteed premium.

5. Market Demand

Buyer demand varies by category, location and sale date. Research recent completed sales in the relevant market instead of relying on a list of supposedly popular categories. Examples of markets to research include:

• Mid-century modern furniture and lighting
• Art Deco decorative objects
• Vintage watches (especially Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe)
• Estate jewelry with designer signatures
• Original vintage advertising signs
• Early American folk art and primitives

6. Maker & Signature

A maker's mark or signature can help identify an item, but it must be authenticated and matched to the object. Research marks using reference books and specialist records. Examples include:

• Furniture: Stickley, Thonet, Baker, Kittinger
• Silver: Tiffany & Co., Gorham, Georg Jensen
• Ceramics: Meissen, Wedgwood, Rookwood
• Glass: Lalique, Steuben, Tiffany Studios

Value Guides by Item Type

Once you know the category, use a more specific guide. Furniture, jewelry, watches, silver, paintings, rugs, and lighting are valued in different ways:

• How Much Is My Antique Furniture Worth?
• How Much Is My Antique Jewelry Worth?
• How Much Is My Vintage Watch Worth?
• How Much Is My Sterling Silver Worth?
• How Much Is My Antique Painting Worth?
• How Much Is My Persian Rug Worth?
• How Much Is My Antique Lamp Worth?

Types of Appraisals

Insurance appraisal: The replacement value — typically the highest figure. Used for insurance purposes.

Fair market value: What a willing buyer would pay a willing seller. This is the most common valuation type.

Auction estimate: An expected sale range, not a guaranteed result. Ask about reserve prices, seller fees and the basis of the estimate.

Liquidation value: A quick-sale figure dependent on the sale conditions and available buyers; there is no universal percentage discount.

Compare Buyer Interest With Your Research

Submit your item to GetAntiqueOffer for free review and potential buyer interest. This is not a certified appraisal. For insurance, tax or legal documentation, use an appropriately qualified independent appraiser. If you receive a buyer offer, compare the net amount, transport and payment terms with your research.