What to do with the oil painting found in Grandma’s attic or curious objects found in abandoned storage units?

How do you know if those dusty paintings or curious objects left behind in attics and forgotten storage units are valuable?

Tips on what to do when you find such objects.

The first thing to do is examine the object closely.  What condition is it in?    Does it look intact and usable?  Is it an object that might have contemporary appeal?  Do you like it yourself? Does it have meaning in your family? Ask family members who might know the history.  The answers to these questions will lead you to determine what to do with your found and curious objects.

Look closely at these art objects and collectibles as they may have value.

If it is a painting, is the frame in tact? Inspect the details of the object or artwork?  Is the surface cracked?  Are there any signatures or dates on the front of the painting or on the back of the canvas or frame?  If so, write down all the details.  Take a picture of the object and record as much information as you can so if you decide to keep or sell the object and wish to know its value, the data will help with determining its worth in the current art and antique market.

Perhaps you may wish to keep the object yourself and are thinking about protecting the object with insurance coverage. Insurance riders for personal property are usually not very expensive.   You may also be thinking about selling the property and want to know what it might be worth.  This would be the point to contact an experienced appraiser providing your observations and history of the object to request a formal appraisal report be done.

To determine the full worth of your personal personal property it will be important to contact an Independent Certified Appraiser who will professionally inspect, catalog and investigate current statistics on the valuation of the property in today’s economy.  The appraiser will research your artwork or collectible objects and develop a thorough comparative analysis of identical or similar objects of the same condition.   Based on the condition, history and appeal for the object in the current market place, the appraiser will develop an accurate valuation and prepare an appraisal report that can be used for insurance replacement value, sale, tax reporting and estate settlement.

When you determine you need a formal appraisal report, you are invited to contact Maureen Curry who is a certified personal property appraiser and experienced Southern California Art Historian with wide-ranging personal property experience.

We look forward to assisting you and your family with protecting your personal property and family heritage.

Please contact us:  maureen@ArtAppraisalByMAC.com or c. 714-335-3465