Lloyd’s Woodworking · Hudson, Massachusetts
By Lloyd’s Woodworking Inc.
When Should I Get Furniture Appraised Before Restoration?
DIRECT ANSWER:
Consider an independent appraisal before irreversible restoration or refinishing when there is a reasonable possibility that a piece has significant monetary, historical or collector value, especially when originality may affect that value. Restoration assessment and monetary appraisal are different services.
“CAN IT BE RESTORED?”
AND
“WHAT IS IT WORTH?”
ARE TWO DIFFERENT QUESTIONS.
CONSIDER AN APPRAISAL WHEN
The piece has a documented maker.
There is unusual provenance.
It appears uncommon or historically significant.
A collector has expressed interest.
Family records suggest unusual significance.
Potential market value could influence treatment decisions.
APPRAISAL BEFORE IRREVERSIBLE WORK
An appraisal may be most useful before:
Stripping
Major refinishing
Replacing original components
Changing hardware
Significant alteration
RESTORERS AND APPRAISERS ANSWER DIFFERENT QUESTIONS
A restorer may focus on:
Condition
Construction
Damage
Repairability
Restoration approach
An appraiser focuses on value within an appropriate appraisal framework.
DO NOT ASSUME ONLINE LISTING PRICES ARE APPRAISALS
An asking price on an online marketplace does not establish:
Actual selling price
Authenticity
Condition equivalence
Rarity
Your piece’s value
Frequently asked questions
DOES LLOYD’S APPRAISE ANTIQUES?
Do not represent Lloyd’s as an appraiser unless that service has been independently verified.
DO I NEED AN APPRAISAL FOR EVERY OLD PIECE?
No.
CAN RESTORATION AFFECT VALUE?
Potentially.
IS AN ONLINE SEARCH ENOUGH TO DETERMINE VALUE?
No.
IF VALUE MAY CHANGE THE DECISION—
ANSWER THAT QUESTION BEFORE IRREVERSIBLE WORK BEGINS.
START WITH AN INITIAL RESTORATION REVIEW