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How to Find Out How Much Old Indian Rugs are Worth

The value of a rug is dependent upon its maker, age, materials, pattern, weaving process and history. Hand-made rugs made by members of a Native American Indian tribe have a much higher value than machine made products for obvious reasons. Bargain prices on stacks of cotton Indian rugs are a sign of a lower value machine made product. Old Native Indian rugs show wear and tear, were not made with fringe and do not contain synthetic materials. Dealers of real old Indian rugs are willing to make written assurances about their authenticity.

Things You'll Need

Camera
Paper and pencil

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the rug and write a description of it that includes its pattern, colors, materials, dimensions and condition. Include a paragraph outlining any known history about the rug.
- 2
  Photograph the details of the rug (knots, weave style, oddities in the weave) and make prints to use during the research process.
- 3
  Use the information collected in Steps 1 and 2 and begin gathering information and facts that backup the existing knowledge about the rug and also add further information. Consult books and catalogs created by experts in the field of Indian rugs, speak to those trading and selling rugs and review catalogs listing Indian rugs that have sold in the market place in the last year. Identify the tribe the rug belongs to, verify the name of the pattern used and learn more about its weaving process.
- 4
  Visit auction houses, dealers shows and museum collections to get a broad view of the price of Indian rugs.
- 5
  Consult an appraiser that specializes in old Indian rugs for a written document assigning value to the rug.

Other Collecting