antique clocks

Are you ready to buy or sell an antique grandfather wall clock? If so have you read the first article in this series "Never Pass Up A Chance to Buy A Grandfather wall clock"? If not, I suggest you read it before reading any further. Before you buy or sell an antique clock or valuable antique grandfather wall clock, make sure to have the clock appraised by an accredited appraiser. Because there are no licensed appraisers, it is best to get an appraiser that is a member in good standing with the "International Society of Appraisers (ISA)" or "American Society of Appraisers" or "Appraisers Association of America". Be careful, if they are not an accredited appraiser they may under pricing that rare grandfather wall you are selling or talk you into paying too much for an antique clock they are trying to unload.

Ask them What their qualifications are.

When working with an accredited appraiser, they will be able to provide you with a professional profile and resume. A professional appraiser will have a formal education in appraisal theory, procedures, and ethics. They will have a deep understanding and knowledge of grandfather walls and will be up to date in the law. Remember, if the appraiser is not accredited, buyer beware!

Can't any appraiser do the job?

They must know this category of timepieces not just clocks or antique furniture in general. Without this specialized knowledge they will not be able to discover or identify if any grandfather wall clock has been altered, properly repaired or restored. A qualified appraiser will know whether the grandfather clock movement has been altered by the manufacture or altered after it was bought. They will know whether the pendulum or movement has been swapped/replaced so it could be sold as a more expensive piece. Only a qualified appraiser will know if the case has been altered or refinished. They will know whether the grandfather wall clock chime or tubes have been altered or changed from the original manufacturer. These are just a few of the items you need to know before buying or selling any grandfather wall clock.

Do they belong to an appraisal society?

If an appraiser belongs to one of the national appraiser societies, they will have a high ethical standard. They must maintain this standard to be in good standing with the society. If not, they may find themselves barred from the society and this will affect their ability to do business. This means that an accredited appraiser we have a set of standards set forth by the society they belong to and must adhere to them. On the other hand, an unaccredited independent appraiser will not be held to any standard and can say and do anything they want. Is this someone you would trust when buying an expensive grandfather wall clock?

It's important to know how the appraiser is paid?

Professional appraisers are paid by the hour, a flat rate or by the piece. A professional appraiser will never charge a percentage of the value of the grandfather wall clock or charge a contingency fee. This is barred because it causes the appraiser to fug on the value of the grandfather wall clock and they will not give you an unemotional unbiased report. This is why most well written and accepted appraisal reports contain a paragraph on the method of payment.

What does an appraisal report contain?

An appraisal report must be typewritten. It will contain the "purpose" of this appraisal and the "type of value" that the appraisal is for. It will specify the resources and methods used in determining its value and condition. One of the major points of the report is the detailed description of the grandfather wall clock such that any professional appraiser can clearly identify the grandfather wall clock without a photograph. The report will also contain how the appraiser was paid and a statement that the appraiser has no financial interest in the grandfather wall clock and if they do what their financial interest is. Finally it will state the appraiser's qualifications and signature.

For those buying a grandfather wall clock.

For those of you buying a grandfather wall clock, it is best to have an appraiser's report. If one is not available, ask if they will provide one or can you bring in an independent appraiser of your choice. If they still refuse move on, something is wrong. An honest seller has nothing to hide even when the grandfather wall clock has problems or has been restored. It just changes the price not the value. If they provide you with a report then check it for the 'purpose' statement, how the fee was paid, the detailed grandfather wall clock description, the appraiser's qualifications and their signature.

Michael

antique clocks

antique clocks

antique clocks

antique clocks: antique clocks

This article, the best article ever, kindly provided by UberArticles.com