The quick answer
Start with the category that best matches the object you can photograph clearly. Category context improves the first-pass identification because each object type has different marks, materials, condition risks, and market evidence.
Choose the right path
Jewelry needs metal and stone evidence. Coins need date, mint mark, and grade clues. Art needs signature, medium, size, surface, and provenance. Furniture needs form, joinery, hardware, and wood clues.
When free screening is enough
A free first pass is enough when you need direction, missing-photo feedback, or a decision about whether paid appraisal is worth considering. It is not enough for insurance, estate, donation, legal, or high-value sale decisions.
When to get a professional appraisal
Use a professional appraisal when the item may be valuable, has confusing marks, needs market evidence, or must be documented for sale, insurance, estate, or donation use.
Photo checklist
Send whole-object photos, close-ups of marks or labels, condition details, measurements, weight where useful, and any certificate, receipt, box, frame label, or family note.
What current auction evidence can—and cannot—show
We did not find a verified, page-specific auction-comps set for this antique or artwork that met the current exact-match and source-provenance standard.
That absence is evidence, not a zero-value conclusion. Asking prices, broad category ranges, and sales for materially different objects are not substitutes for matched realized sales. Use the identification and condition guidance in this article, then narrow a future search with exact marks, model or variant, dimensions, materials, condition, completeness, and provenance.
Free first look
Not sure whether this antique or artwork needs an appraisal?
Photograph the whole item, maker or identifying marks, dimensions, materials, condition, repairs, and any provenance or documentation. The photo-based Screener can help identify the likely category and visible evidence gaps before you pay for documentation.
Upload photos for a free first lookFree. No card needed. The photo upload usually takes about two minutes.
The free first read is a separate photo-based Screener, not this educational article. Results usually appear within a few minutes; complex items can take longer. From photographs of your antique or artwork, it returns a preliminary category or identity read, visible evidence gaps, rough comparable market signals, and whether a human appraisal looks worthwhile; it is not a signed value conclusion. Material or construction can remain uncertain without direct examination, dimensions, provenance, or complete condition details. A written appraisal is useful when your antique or artwork needs documented specialist support for insurance, tax, an estate, authentication, litigation, or a consequential sale, but you may not need one.
Choose your next step
Use the path that matches the decision you need to make about the item.
Not sure it is worth appraising?
Start with a lower-friction screen to understand the likely category, evidence, and next step.
Upload photos for a free first lookWant proof before paying?
See how a signed report documents photos, comparable evidence, condition notes, and value conclusions.
View signed report sampleNeed a signed report?
Use this for insurance, estate, donation, resale, or documented value decisions.
Need documentation now? Start signed appraisalNeed local or specialist help?
Compare directory options when the work needs in-person review or a specialist near you.
Find local art specialistsSee what the report looks like
Sample reports show how photos, comparable evidence, condition notes, and a value conclusion are documented.
Not sure which category your item fits?
Start with a free screener. We identify the object and point you toward the right appraisal path.
Start an appraisalUpload photos for a free first look