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Updated May 4, 2026

Value of old etchings

Old etching value depends on artist, impression quality, plate mark, paper, margins, edition, signature, condition, and demand. A plate mark helps, but it is not the whole answer.

JOHN SLOAN ORIGINAL MINIATURE ETCHING sold by Midnight Sun Antique Auction — auction record photograph
Auction-record example: JOHN SLOAN ORIGINAL MINIATURE ETCHING. Source: Midnight Sun Antique Auction. Separate auction item shown for reference. View auction source.

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One clear answer

Start with the plate mark, paper, signature, title, edition, publisher, image quality, margins, and condition. Then compare to sold examples by the same artist or series.

Auction records are market evidence, not a final appraisal. Condition, authenticity, provenance, size, medium, edition, subject, and demand can materially change value.

Quick value checklist

  • Photograph the whole work, close details, back, frame or base, signature, labels, condition issues, and scale.
  • Include medium, dimensions, provenance, receipts, certificates, gallery labels, and prior appraisal records.
  • Show damage clearly: fading, tears, cracks, repairs, stains, losses, overpaint, chips, surface wear, or unstable mounting.

Key value drivers

  • Artist, impression quality, plate state, paper, margins, signature, and condition drive value.
  • Etchings and aquatints need close photos of paper, line quality, and plate mark.
  • Foxing, fading, trimming, tears, staining, and mat burn can reduce value.

What similar items actually sold for

Real auction sales of items like your antique etching. Open a sale to see the original listing.

Shown USD range: USD 10-USD 14,000. Median of these 78 USD examples: USD 475.

Comparable What sold Auction house Date Lot Source-reported amount
FRANK W. BENSON (1862-1951): TAKING OFF Etching sold by STAIR, lot 635 — auction record photograph FRANK W. BENSON (1862-1951): TAKING OFF Etching STAIR 2007-10-14 635 USD 300
Fritz Hartmann "Rodeobegeu" Cobblestone Etching sold by J Levine Auction & Appraisal LLC, lot 8085 — auction record photograph Fritz Hartmann "Rodeobegeu" Cobblestone Etching J Levine Auction & Appraisal LLC 2018-04-29 8085 USD 40
LIONEL LINDSAY, (1874 - 1961), Campers, etching, ed. 15/20, 13.5 x 11 cm. (5.3 x 4.3 in.), frame: 35 x 28 x 2 cm. (13.7 x 11.0 x 0.7 in.) sold by Lawsons, lot 8045 — auction record photograph LIONEL LINDSAY, (1874 - 1961), Campers, etching, ed. 15/20, 13.5 x 11 cm. (5.3 x 4.3 in.), frame: 35 x 28 x 2 cm. (13.7 x 11.0 x 0.7 in.) Lawsons 2024-10-30 8045 AUD 300
Jacques Villon (French, 1875-1963) Etching on Paper, Ca. Mid 20th C., "The Works, the Day", H 10.5" W 8" sold by DuMouchelles, lot 1309 — auction record photograph Jacques Villon (French, 1875-1963) Etching on Paper, Ca. Mid 20th C., "The Works, the Day", H 10.5" W 8" DuMouchelles 2024-11-15 1309 USD 60
ERNEST STEPHEN LUMSDEN (Scotland, 1883-1948), River scene, possibly Calcutta or the Ganges, 1929., Etching, 9.5" x 14". Framed 19" x 25". sold by Eldred's, lot 6331 — auction record photograph ERNEST STEPHEN LUMSDEN (Scotland, 1883-1948), River scene, possibly Calcutta or the Ganges, 1929., Etching, 9.5" x 14". Framed 19" x 25". Eldred's 2023-08-30 6331 USD 200
Jean Fautrier "La Forêt" colour etching aquatint 44.5x34.5 cm plate; 66x50 cm sheet Signed lower right numbered 27/100... sold by Il Ponte Auction House, lot 36 — auction record photograph Jean Fautrier "La Forêt" colour etching aquatint 44.5x34.5 cm plate; 66x50 cm sheet Signed lower right numbered 27/100... Il Ponte Auction House 2020-07-21 36 EUR 330
James (Jim) Sampson, Indiana (1935-2021), Carrot Gun, etching, ed. A.P. sold by Link Auction Galleries, lot 397 — auction record photograph James (Jim) Sampson, Indiana (1935-2021), Carrot Gun, etching, ed. A.P. Link Auction Galleries 2022-09-17 397 USD 125
Shoichi Hasegawa 1970s color etching Zasso sold by Concept Art Gallery, lot 786 — auction record photograph Shoichi Hasegawa 1970s color etching Zasso Concept Art Gallery 2025-09-10 786 USD 500
Ernest Lumsden etching sold by Rachel Davis Fine Arts, lot 546 — auction record photograph Ernest Lumsden etching Rachel Davis Fine Arts 2013-03-23 546 USD 200
Tanner (Robin, 1904-1988). Wiltshire Woodman, 1929, etching sold by Dominic Winter Auctions, lot 359 — auction record photograph Tanner (Robin, 1904-1988). Wiltshire Woodman, 1929, etching Dominic Winter Auctions 2025-11-12 359 GBP 320
How these auction records were verified

These sales are market context, not an object estimate.

Each row retains its exact source URL, lot identity, retrieval time, access result, and immutable record hash. Live source access was blocked; the exact record matched Appraisily's immutable pipeline provenance. Inspect the public comparable provenance record.

Condition and authenticity cautions

Do not flatten, wash, or remove an etching from backing before review. Paper and margins are central evidence.

Use a professional appraisal or authentication path when artist attribution, legal use, insurance, donation, or a significant sale is involved.

When the free screener is enough

Use the free screener for first-pass identification, condition review, and market direction before selling, donating, cleaning, reframing, or ordering a formal appraisal.

When to get a professional appraisal

Use a professional appraisal for insurance, estate, donation, legal, or higher-value sale decisions. See the professional sample report.

Related guides

Art, painting, and signature guides, Art painting guides, Free online art appraisal, Free art appraisal app, Artwork media types guide, How to identify artist signatures, Value of old prints, Value of old lithographs, Free print appraisal app.

FAQ

Are old etchings valuable?

Some are, especially by known artists or in strong impressions and condition. Many are modest.

What is a plate mark?

A plate mark is the indentation left by the printing plate, but it must be read with paper, image, margins, and condition.

Should I clean foxing on an etching?

No. Paper conservation should be considered after appraisal review.

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