Appraisals
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
“My aunt bought it at an art gallery in San Francisco years ago and gave it to me when I was a child. Now it’s damaged and we need to know what it’s worth.” Being prepared makes sense. Which is why S/R Labs provides carefully researched and documented written appraisals for your animation art.
Laws are changing to compensate for the false or excessive claims that have escalated dramatically in recent years. Insurance carriers, courts, and government agencies no longer accept the same information of value from collectors and dealers they once did. More than ever, statements of value are only accepted from qualified appraisers.
It is important for you to know that an opinion does not constitute an appraisal. Nor does a receipt or a file of auction catalogs. An appraisal is not a statement of what someone thinks the value is, nor is it based on someone’s longevity in the field or familiarity with the type of art.
The North American Conference of Appraisal Organizations specifically defines an appraisal as “a statement, independently and impartially prepared, by a qualified appraiser, setting forth an opinion of value, of an adequately described property, as of a specific date, and supported by the presentation and analysis of relevant market data.” Simply put an appraisal is a market study not an opinion. But what market? When? And where? This is the realm of the accredited appraiser.
S/R director Ron Stark, was for many years an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers, one of the most respected appraising organizations in the world. He served on the Board of Directors of ISA as general member and Vice President in addition to teaching classes at ISA annual meetings.Their stringent educational requirements ensure the appraiser has the fullest and most up-to-date knowledge of the laws governing the use of the appraisal as well as the ethical and professional standing that make the appraisal a valuable asset at the time of sale or loss. Ron stepped down from active ISA membership to pursue his interest in other professional organizations. The same high standards are maintained in S/R appraisals today.
Each appraisal we prepare is a custom document fully describing the artwork and its fair market value. We maintain both a hard copy of your appraisal, with photographic documentation, and a computer file, so it can be updated or replaced as needed.
It is important for you to know that if you should you have a loss we will, at no additional charge, work with you and your insurance to make sure your claim is appropriately settled. That promise is part of each appraisal we write. That’s the way it has always been, and the way it is now.
VALUE PACKAGE FOR LARGE COLLECTIONS
Even though our appraisals are reasonably priced, many collectors with large collections find appraising each piece they own prohibitive. We have developed a plan that makes it possible for you to protect your collection at a considerably reduced cost while still having the protection only a qualified appraiser can provide.
Please call the Lab and ask about our exclusive large collection Value Package. It’s an ideal alternative to individual appraisals.