Antique Document Appraisal Services: Date, Author, Signature, Paper, Ink and Preservation

Identify what the document is

Start with document type, date, author or issuer, recipient, signature, subject, paper, watermark, ink, seals, stamps, and annotations. Content and context drive value more than age alone.

• Photograph the full front and back, signature, watermark, seal, folds, tears, and any envelope or folder.
• Do not flatten, tape, laminate, or clean a document before review.
• Keep related letters, envelopes, certificates, and family notes together.

Condition and originality

Paper acidity, fading ink, foxing, water stains, tears, tape, trimming, and prior framing can affect value. Attribution review may be needed for important signatures or historical content.

Handle documents with clean dry hands or appropriate supports, and keep them away from bright light during photography.

When appraisal is useful

A written appraisal is useful for estate, insurance, donation, sale, or institutional planning. It should state intended use, value type, identification basis, condition, and comparable market evidence.

For historically important material, preservation guidance may be as important as price.

Before contacting an appraiser

Prepare clear photos, dimensions, transcription if readable, provenance notes, and any prior purchase or auction records.