PROCESS
Appraisal Process
On-Site Visit, & Inspection
We will thoroughly and carefully inspect, measure and categorize your items. We will ask for all paperwork related to the item, such as sales receipts, previous appraisals, history or provenance, as well as any restoration or repair work. Of course, client-appraiser confidentiality ensures that this information will remain private.
Research & Valuation Phase
ACA
conducts research in the most common marketplace for each item we appraise. This assures that in the event of a loss, its probability of replacement is far higher. We usually employ a market data approach. For items of exceptional value, ACA may suggest that steps be taken to authenticate the item being appraised. Once the market data is compiled, we determine the mode (the most commonly occurring value) and apply it to the item being appraised.
Although appraisers have to be reasonably sure as to the authenticity of the item being appraised, they traditionally do not function as authenticators. The extent of responsibility for authentication among appraisers extends to a reasonable comfort level regarding the authenticity level of the object. A reduced appraised value may be a result of items lacking authentication by a known expert in the category of the object being appraised.
We Build A Summary Appraisal Report
Each report will contain a detailed description for each item, the format of which can vary, depending on the item being appraised. Common among fine art items is medium, title, artist, and measurements in the main description line, followed by a detailed augmented description. Included for each item are detailed high-resolution photographs. CD's of all digital images are included as well.
Delivery Of The Appraisal Report
The appraisal report can either be delivered via hard copy with mounted photographs or can be transmitted over the internet as a PDF file. ACA can provide multiple copies for you. A copy is also retained in our own files as a record and will not be released to any third party without the client's express permission.