Here are some ideas to consider if you are considering selling antiques to a dealer.

Do you really need to sell?
An antique collection is part of the history of your family. Do you really want to let that history go? Do you have children, cousins or relatives that would like to have a piece for sentimental reasons? Once you sell, it is gone. My husband and I have had people come back to us asking for specific pieces back. It is really painful to either say, “No,” or, “It has already been sold,” for all parties involved.

Sentimental value
You may value your antique collection sentimentally and emotionally more than realistically. I had this discussion with a woman last weekend. When I gave her a general percentage on the dollar that most dealers would be willing to pay for her mother’s collection, she told me that the percentage would be disrespectful of her mother’s memory. I told her that she really was not ready to sell yet.

Do you look at antique collector’s books for values? Remember that antique collector’s books are:

1. Only guidelines.

2. Many not actually represent value in the specific area in which you live. The actual value could be either lower or higher.

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