Is there an antique appraisal website you know of?

rand · 20th October 2008, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jens Nordlunde

In ‘Damaszener Stahl’ by Manfred Sachse, the author, on page 79 and 81 quotes someone called Crivelli, who in 1823 wrote that a good watered blade, in Turkey, could cost from 7-8500 Reichthaler. What is even more interesting is, that he also gives the value of 1 Reichthaler as the value of about 25g silver. Good blades were not only expensive, they were very expensive – another good reason for using them for many generations.

To compare how fast the value of good weapons can drop, on can read what Moser paid for some of his swords – a bottle of snaps. Moser’s collection is now at the Historisches Museum, Bern, Switzerland - but not on exhibition. The weapons were collected from end of 19th century to beginning of 20th century.

From my perspective the value of a sword during the time of use is a valuable clue as to the importance of an object when used. This would make an excellent thread on its own. If we gathered as many references to the weapons value when made or used, that would be an important historical perspective. In Jens vakue refernece it comes out to about $85,000 and certainly a tidey sum. From the few glimmers of cost during use we seem to still be getting bargains.....

Thanks for that info Jens...

rand

Atlantia · 20th October 2008, 08:48 PM

Just a thought, but would a thread specifically about the hows and wheres of insurance valuations for collections etc, be a good idea?
It could be made a sticky but not change the sites policys as they are at the moment?

A. G. Maisey · 20th October 2008, 11:14 PM

I have collected and dealt in keris, and other S.E. Asian edged weaponry for most of my life. I'm 67 years old.

I am not able to give an accurate appraisal or valuation of a keris unless I handle it.

I can give an approximate value span of an item, but unless I handle the item, even the value span I can give from photos will be hedged with qualification.

I know several people who collect and deal in Japanese swords and sword fittings. None of these people will give an appraisal or valuation unless they handle the item to be appraised.

The fee charged by these Japanese orientated people ranges between 5% and 10% of the value they affix.

Possibly the best insurance for any collection is excellent security.

20th October 2008, 08:48 PM	#2
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Just a thought, but would a thread specifically about the hows and wheres of insurance valuations for collections etc, be a good idea? It could be made a sticky but not change the sites policys as they are at the moment?

20th October 2008, 11:14 PM	#3
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,056	I have collected and dealt in keris, and other S.E. Asian edged weaponry for most of my life. I'm 67 years old. I am not able to give an accurate appraisal or valuation of a keris unless I handle it. I can give an approximate value span of an item, but unless I handle the item, even the value span I can give from photos will be hedged with qualification. I know several people who collect and deal in Japanese swords and sword fittings. None of these people will give an appraisal or valuation unless they handle the item to be appraised. The fee charged by these Japanese orientated people ranges between 5% and 10% of the value they affix. Possibly the best insurance for any collection is excellent security.