Caroline Ashleigh Appraisers & Auctioneers

In the following clip, Caroline Ashleigh appraises a vintage Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Doll Collection: Evaluating the complete set of dolls based on characters in the seminal 1938 film, Caroline Ashleigh noted that the manufacturing of products associated with films represented the foundation upon which Disney built its empire. A store owner in an antiques mall once offered the owner only $35 for one doll. Seeking information on the doll's value, the owner checked everything from the Internet to the library before appearing on Antiques Roadshow. The set, which was in very good condition, and in their original boxes, would sell for at least $2,000-$2,500, Ashleigh said. "That might give you a bit of an idea of the value of holding onto things, and keeping them in as fine condition as you did," she said.

Caroline Ashleigh is among the Who’s Who of top professional speakers and appraisers in the art and antiques business. Caroline Ashleigh, television’s celebrity appraiser and PBS and HG-TV personality, kicked off her 2010/11 appraisal and lecture tour at the Grand Rapids Rotary Antique Show this winter at the Delta Plex Arena and Conference Center. Appraisals and book signings were provided at this popular event. Ms. Ashleigh is among the Who’s Who of top professional speakers and appraisers in the art and antiques business. She is an internationally known expert who is a proven hit behind the podium and adept at interacting with audiences of all sizes. She knows what it’s worth, and shares that knowledge on her appraisal and lecture tour, by customizing her presentation to meet each audience’s specific needs. The Michigan native is the founder of Caroline Ashleigh Appraisers and...

A rare Honus Wagner baseball card was recently acquired by the Sisters of Notre Dame school when the brother of one of the nuns left his estate to the order earlier this year. Even though the baseball card is not in pristine condition, it is expected to fetch $150,000 to $200,000 at auction. The card is part of the T206 series produced between 1909 and 1911, and only about 60 of the Honus Wagner cards are know to exist. The cards are highly desired by collectors attempting to assemble a complete set of the T206 series. For more information, read the full story at the Caroline Ashleigh Collector's Blog . Related Stories: Antique Trader "Every Object Tells a Story" Challenge Custer's Last Flag at Little Bighorn Antique Trader Appraisal Fair

I'm thrilled to be doing a couple of live television interviews soon. I'll be doing on-air appraisals and talking about my new book, so if you get a chance, tune in. Friday, November 5, 2010 on WZZM 13 ABC "Take Five" at 9:00 a.m. Friday, October 29, 2010 on Wood TV - Channel 8 - "8 West" at 11:00 a.m. Hope you can listen in!

Do you collect antiques or other unique items? Would you like to know if they're worth something? On Saturday, November 6th, 2010, Caroline Ashleigh will be appraising at the Rotary Vintage Antiques & Collectibles show in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Come visit between noon and four and and bring your treasures. For more information, visit the Caroline Ashleigh Auction Blog .

If you're a fan of shoes you'll love the Warman’s Field Guide to Shoes. I had the pleasure of authoring this book and it was truly a joy to work with a number of people to compile the images, quotes and valuations. It features shoes from the 20 th through the 21 st centuries as well as historical and celebrity footwear. This isn’t just a guide for collectors, though, it really is a glimpse into fashion trends, from the perspective of footwear. If you have a shoe fan on your gift list this holiday season, this would make a wonderful gift. To purchase a copy, visit the Caroline Ashleigh website at www.appraiseyourart.com and click on the "Books By Caroline Ashleigh" tab.

Appraisals are not certificates of authenticity; these are very different documents. An appraisal is an opinion or statement of the value rendered by a professional appraiser who acts as an independent, impartial third party. A certificate of authenticity is an opinion or statement of authenticity . In preparing the appraisal an appraiser may rely on a certificate of authenticity as well as on third parties and/or published information, including catalogue raisonnes, exhibition catalogues, auction catalogues or other available information. Third parties might include scholars, museum curators, conservators, descendents or associates of an artist. Appraisals are done for a variety of reasons, but all are related to establishing the value of an item or a collection, often for insurance purposes, for IRS reporting or for liquidating an estate. A certificate of authenticity is done to establish the authenticity of an item or items, and the COA may be provided to the appraise...

It is typically adequate to have a collection appraised every three to five years. However, if there are objects in the collection whose value fluctuates frequently or are in a category that has seen significant value changes, you may want to consider having the items appraised more frequently. By working closely with an accredited appraiser you and they can determine whether market forces dictate a more frequent appraisal schedule.

An appraisal is an opinion or statement of the value rendered by a professional appraiser who acts as an independent, impartial third party. Appraisals are often done on personal property and real estate. Personal property appraisals are often done for valuable items like artwork, collectibles or antiquities. Appraisals should be done by a qualified professional who is an expert in evaluating the type of personal property being appraised. An appraisal, which typically comes in the form of a written report, is assumed to be more reliable to third parties than statements of value made by non professionals, such as collectors, conservators, dealers and museum curators. When should you have an appraisal done? Personal property appraisals should be done to establish the value of an item or items in order to secure adequate insurance coverage or to make decisions about the division of property of an estate. It is important that the appraiser understand the reason for the appraisal, as values...

Thanks for visiting! In this blog, I will be discussing art and antiques, and appraisal-related issues, including trending topics in the art and auction industry and relating some of my personal stories and experience. If you are a collector of fine art, antiques, and collectibles, I hope that you will find this blog informative.