My wife and I are attempting to get out of debt. We have some original prints from a local artist for a local book (Delaware) and we don’t have very much money to spend on a professional appraisal. My wife believes that it would cost money to go to a local art dealer to get an estimate on the value of these works. Any idea if this is true or where we can get a good estimate. We don’t want to sell for considerably less than they are worth. If you need pictures and think you can give an estimate, I’ll have my wife post them to an online photo account. The artist’s name is Anthony John Florio. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I’m not qualified to appraise your art, but I have sold umpteen thousand prints over the last half-dozen years. I have a few questions that might help others provide an answer:
You used the phrase “original prints”, which seems a bit of an oxymoron. I assume these are prints (reproductions) on paper, rather than original drawings in ink or watercolor or chalk or what-have-you.
Assuming these are prints, are they limited editions? Are they signed by the artist? Are they hand numbered? If limited editions, what is the edition size?
What size(s) are the items in inches, approximately?
Pardon my ignorance. They are original drawings and signed by the artist, not prints or reproductions. Apparently they were for a book. A few of which have indicated on them that they will be used in the book. I believe they are in ink. Size=(approx) 3’x3’, about the size of a standard poster. Thanks for helping me clarify.
I once contacted the firm of two of the appraisers from Antiques Roadshow and they gave me a free e-mail quicky appraisal of a piece of furniture I have.
You might try the list of their experts from the show:
and see if any might give you a 30-second free “trash or treasure” opinion before committing to a paid appraisal. Or, if one you contact is with an auction house (like Christie’s), they may give an initial assessment for free, in the hopes you list the item with them.
Thanks Raza. I have forwarded your reply to my wife who will, hopefully, be following up with the suggestion.