Antique and art appraisal case-file basics
A strong appraisal case file turns scattered object facts into a reviewable value opinion. It connects scope, intended use, photos, condition, provenance, attribution, comparable sales, value definition, assumptions, and reporting support.
Use this framework for antiques, art, decorative objects, furniture, prints, sculpture, and collections where the value conclusion must be explained or updated later.
Free first read
Check whether your appraisal file has enough support
Upload object photos, marks, condition notes, documents, and your intended use. The free screener can flag missing evidence before you order a signed report.
Start with a free screener. Use a signed report when you need insurance, estate, donation, resale, or formal documentation.
How We Research Valuation Data
Our appraisal guides are based on auction results, dealer pricing data, and professional appraiser insights. We may earn a commission when you use our free screener. Learn about our editorial standards.
1. Start with scope and intended use
State the intended use, intended users, value definition, effective date, inspection method, and assignment limits before selecting comparable sales. Insurance, estate, donation, resale, and screening assignments do not always require the same scope.
Note: We couldn’t find relevant auction comps in our database for this topic right now. If you’re valuing a specific item, try searching by maker/model/material and we’ll expand coverage over time.
What similar items actually sold for
To help ground this guide in real market activity, here are recent example auction comps from Appraisily’s internal database. These are educational comparables (not a guarantee of price for your specific item).
| Image | Description | Auction house | Date | Lot | Reported price realized |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No relevant auction comps found for this topic right now. | |||||
Disclosure: prices are shown as reported by auction houses and are provided for appraisal context. Learn more in our editorial policy.
2. Separate provenance from attribution
Provenance documents where an object has been; attribution states who made it and with what confidence. Keep both in the file, but do not let an interesting ownership story replace material, stylistic, and market evidence.
3. Let condition shape the comparable set
Condition is a market fact. Heavy restoration, missing parts, over-cleaning, relining, cracks, fading, or structural weakness can move an object into a different value tier even when the maker or subject is desirable.
4. Reconcile value and preserve the workfile
Record accepted and rejected comps, price basis, adjustments, assumptions, and limitations. A future reviewer should be able to understand why the conclusion followed from the case file.
Search variations people ask
Collectors often search these case-file questions:
- antique appraisal case file framework
- art appraisal workfile checklist
- USPAP appraisal scope intended use personal property
- appraisal report provenance condition comparables
- how to organize appraisal evidence
- fair market value replacement value case file
- appraisal workfile for antiques and art
- comparable sales support in appraisal reports
Each question maps to the case-file workflow above.
References
Wrap-up
A case-file framework makes appraisal work easier to inspect, update, and defend. Start with scope, preserve evidence, choose relevant comps, and keep the reasoning visible.
