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I was given a collection of asian art and artifacts by my father who was a collector and antique dealer. (now deceased) I have over 100 pieces and am trying to find someone to provide me with an appraisel for: insurance, possible auction sale and museum donation and just to better understand what I have. I am not a wealthy person and cannot afford 1,000's of dollars in appraisel fees. As an example, I have attached two slides of a piece my father stated was 17th century or older and I beleive to be restored. In addition, I have a attached a slide of three snuff bottles, which I am interested in dating. Any suggestions or knowledge would be helpful.

This forum not for appraisal.

At least one famous auction house does evaluations from email pictures.

You need closeup in-focus well-lit high resolution image of each item including bottom, with description of size, what made of.

For snuff bottles, do hot-needle test to see if made of plastic or celluloid even though look like other material. Take long sewing needle, heat tip to red-hot with, say, cigarette lighter, press in bottom of piece, pay attention to what smell like. Hot tip will sink in to celluloid or resin/plastic.

Hanging devotional/luck shrine made very large numbers even if you not see often where you located. Look close at hinges - are low quality stamped brass, nailed to piece?

Remember dealer may buy cheap to sell for more, not always high-quality goods.

Good luck,
Cal

Some auction houses will give verbal appraisals for free from pictures. For written appraisals for insurance, they charge. Find an auction house with a good Asian department, read their website, and talk to them.

Cheers,
Stan

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