Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Learn everything you can about your antique dishes. Look for maker's marks and other information that might tell you when and where they were manufactured. If your dishes are a family heirloom, ask the older people in your family what they know about them. The more information you have, the more accurately you will be able to assign a monetary value.
Determine which type of value you want to know. There are several different standards for pricing antique dishes.
Insurance value is typically the highest because it is considered the replacement value. An insurance appraisal is necessary to replace your antique dishes if they are destroyed, stolen or lost.
Estate or tax value is often assigned by the IRS during property seizure. Estate value is determined by averaging recent auction prices for similar dishes.
Retail value is the price your dishes would sell for in an antique store.
Fair market value is determined by the will of the buyer and the seller. For instance, dishes similar to yours may sell for one dollar at an antique store, but you offer yours at five dollars because you believe the clarity of the pattern in your set is superb. A buyer agrees with you and pays the five dollars. This is fair market value.
Wholesale value is the price an antique dealer will pay for your dishes. It is usually about one-third of the retail value.
Comparison-shop locally and online to estimate the value of your dishes. Search local antique stores and stores online to learn what others are buying and selling similar dishes for.
Use a price guide such as Kovels. There are several printed and online guides with specific information about antique dishes.
Pay an accredited appraiser to value your dishes. They can be found at antique fairs, auction houses, in the phone book or online. You may also ask an established antique dealer for a recommendation.