Great, is it time to sell that family heirloom, the antique grandfather wall clock, or are you buying a new family heirloom? After reading the previous grandfather wall clock article you are nearly done. Now, you have the antique clock or grandfather wall clock appraisal report in hand, right? If not, do you know how to choose an appraiser?

When looking for a qualified appraiser, look for one who has official recognition from a nationally accepted organization such as the "International Society of Appraisers (ISA)" or "American Society of Appraisers" or "Appraisers Association of America". Appraises that don't belong to one of these national organizations is not held to any ethical standard and maybe unqualified to appraise an antique grandfather wall clock.

Is the appraiser qualified?

When working with a qualified appraiser, they will be able to provide you with a certified profile and resume. A qualified appraiser will have a formal education in appraisal theory, procedures, and ethics. They will have a deep understanding and comprehension of grandfather wall clocks and be current in matters of the law. Remember, if the appraiser is not accredited, buyer beware! To appraise an antique grandfather wall clock properly, a particular type of appraiser is essential and not just one who knows antique furniture.

They must know the cabinet markings, type of wood, and finish for this model of grandfather wall clock or pendulum clock. They will also know what type of grandfather wall clock movement was originally used and if the movement is mechanically sound. They will know whether the grandfather wall clock chime or tubes have been altered or changed after they left the factory.

An accredited appraiser will know the details and some of the history of the clock and if not will be able to gather the correct information for you. Above all they will specialize in grandfather wall clocks and have a deep understanding of their origin and history.

What appraisal society do they belong to?

If an appraiser belongs to one of the national appraiser societies, they will have a high ethical standard. They must maintain this standard to be in good standing with the society. If not, they may find themselves barred from the society and this will affect their ability to do business. This means that an accredited appraiser we have a set of principles set forth by the society they belong to and must adhere to them.

On the other hand, an unaccredited self-determining appraiser will not be held to any set of principles and or standards. You must ask yourself who you are going to trust when buying a costly grandfather wall clock.

How will the appraiser be paid?

A expert appraiser is paid by the hour, a flat rate or by the piece. No qualified appraiser would ever charge a fee based on a percentage of the grandfather wall clock's assessment. Nor will they be paid on a contingency fee. Payments of this type are prohibited when the appraiser belongs to a society because of a probability of a conflict of interest. Remember all you want is a dispassionate and neutral appraisal.

The appraisal report, what does it look like?

The appraisal report for a grandfather wall clock will contain a declaration about the reports intent and the value. It will contain a statement about the methods and resources used to authenticate the grandfather wall clock. There will be a precise and exhaustive description of the physical distinctiveness and any abnormalities of the grandfather wall clock so a expert could identify the grandfather wall clock without photographs. The report will also have a statement on how the appraiser was paid.

It should also contain a declaration that says that the appraiser has no monetary interest in the clock that is being appraised and if they do, what their monetary interest is. It must close with a declaration of the appraiser's credentials and their signature.

The following section is for a buyer.

For those of you buying a grandfather wall clock, it is paramount that you have an appraiser's report. If one is not available, inquire if they will supply one and/or ask if you can bring in an independent appraiser of your choosing. If they still decline move on, something is wide of the mark.

An honest seller has nothing to hide even when the grandfather wall clock has problems or has been restored. It just changes the cost not the value.

If they supply you with a report then check it for the 'purpose' statement, how the fee was paid, the exhaustive grandfather wall clock description, the appraiser's credentials and their signature.

Michael

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