Appraisal Inquiries:

[History36]

Hello,

I have a few Civil War-era items to be appraised / updated based on the current market value (not to sell, but when I loan items to museums, we know what number to place on the insurance documents).

However, I've reached out to several reputable names and, despite their solid reputations and initial interest, they never call back. As such, I've had to repeatedly call, email, etc. If they advertise themselves as 'experts' and claim to provide services in that field, yet, clientele, such as myself, who have to repeatedly call, email, etc. then apparently those 'experts' don't have the time. That being said, are there any commendable appraisers out there you'd recommend and who actually returns two-way communication, by chance?

Thank you for any and all leads,

 

[lelliott19]

We have members here who are knowledgeable and can probably help you locate professional appraisers.

If you tell us a bit about the items you are wanting to have appraised, we might be able to identify the best potential recommendations. For example, an appraiser who specializes in Civil War era firearms isn't the same appraiser you want to look at a saber or at uniforms/accoutrements. If you have dug relics like belt plates and/or artillery projectiles, you'll want a different appraiser all together. If it's paper, letters, diaries, and/or ephemera, the firearms guy isn't going to be able to help you. Paper money will require a numismatist. Flags need a vexillologist. Civil War images are a whole other ball of wax --- you definitely need an image specialist for those.

I guess what I am saying is that, depending on what the items are, you likely need multiple appraisers for different items. If you're willing to share what the items are, maybe the good folks here can be of some assistance in making recommendations.

 

[UCVRelics]

Hello,

I have a few Civil War-era items to be appraised / updated based on the current market value (not to sell, but when I loan items to museums, we know what number to place on the insurance documents).

However, I've reached out to several reputable names and, despite their solid reputations and initial interest, they never call back. As such, I've had to repeatedly call, email, etc. If they advertise themselves as 'experts' and claim to provide services in that field, yet, clientele, such as myself, who have to repeatedly call, email, etc. then apparently those 'experts' don't have the time. That being said, are there any commendable appraisers out there you'd recommend and who actually returns two-way communication, by chance?

Thank you for any and all leads,

I can take a look and see what you have and would be happy to help. Sometimes its hard to give appraisal based on photos depending on the item. If you want you can PM me with photos and I can see just what you have and we can go from there.

 

[History36]

Good morning,

Thank you for the speedy, and helpful, responses - much appreciated. After work today, I'll send out a few PMs to see if we can make some progress....

Thank you again,

 

[bayonet]

You didn't say what you have, but if it's weapons just go to all the many auctions on line and see what they sell for. Or go to all the Dealer websites or Shows and see what their selling for. That should give you a fairly good estimate of current value.

 

[Salterr]

Good morning,

Thank you for the speedy, and helpful, responses - much appreciated. After work today, I'll send out a few PMs to see if we can make some progress....

Thank you again,

I can help with insignia, shoulder boards, buckles and sashes. I've been compiling price fluctuations for almost 10 years on all the rest.

 

[History36]

I should say, since I have a lot of print and signed provenance, I was looking for an appraiser in the PA and MD area to physically take that documentation to (too much to send electronically, in other words). Of course, I will be happy to PM those members with some of the info who were kind enough to respond thus far.

Thank you again for your time and assistance.

 

[Salterr]

I should say, since I have a lot of print and signed provenance, I was looking for an appraiser in the PA and MD area to physically take that documentation to (too much to send electronically, in other words). Of course, I will be happy to PM those members with some of the info who were kind enough to respond thus far.

Thank you again for your time and assistance.

Brendan Synnamon owns union drummer boy in Gettysburg. I strongly suggest him. He has one of the largest shops in the country. I have bought from him for a decade. I also moderate Facebook groups with him.

 

[History36]

Thank you for the info, but, yes unfortunately, Brendan was one of the contacts who hasn't responded back as of yet. Granted, I realize that he (and other appraisers) get busy with their businesses, traveling to events, and ensuring time with their families indeed. But, after numerous emails/phone calls, I simply stopped pursuing.

As a side note, would anyone happen to know of a reputable lab in the MD / PA area (or neighboring states) that do blood residue analysis on historical artifacts as well, by chance?

Thanks again,

 

[Salterr]

Thank you for the info, but, yes unfortunately, Brendan was one of the contacts who hasn't responded back as of yet. Granted, I realize that he (and other appraisers) get busy with their businesses, traveling to events, and ensuring time with their families indeed. But, after numerous emails/phone calls, I simply stopped pursuing.

As a side note, would anyone happen to know of a reputable lab in the MD / PA area (or neighboring states) that do blood residue analysis on historical artifacts as well, by chance?

Thanks again,

You could also try Larry Hicklen of midtenrelics. He's amazing and should get back to you since he's semi retired. I don't know about blood analysis but I do know a fantastic conservation specialist and she might have someone at the museum that does it. Maria Vasquez she works at the naval war museum in Rhode Island I don't have her phone number but calling the museum could yield results

 

[History36]

Thank you for your response once more. Absolutely, I will be happy to reach out to those recommendations - I can post a follow-up progress report on how things go. Despite him not being local to the PA, MD, and VA areas, I believe that Mr. Hicklen (along with John Sexton of Florida) was also a contact and have yet to hear back.
Sincerely,

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

You could also try Larry Hicklen of midtenrelics. He's amazing and should get back to you since he's semi retired. I don't know about blood analysis but I do know a fantastic conservation specialist and she might have someone at the museum that does it. Maria Vasquez she works at the naval war museum in Rhode Island I don't have her phone number but calling the museum could yield results

I'll second Larry Hicklin. Other experts:
Tom Shay @ Stone River Relics
Rafael Eledge @ Shiloh Relics
Bruce Hohler @ Franklin Relics

 

[History36]

Thanks again, email sent to Larry Hicklin. However, despite my appreciation, aren't all those recommendations out of Tennessee, though?

With the exception of Brendan (Union Drummer Boy, whom I've tried without success), are there any other experts in the PA and MD (plus, possibly northern Virginia) areas that I can physically take the provenance to?

Thank you,

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

Thanks again, email sent to Larry Hicklin. However, despite my appreciation, aren't all those recommendations out of Tennessee, though?

With the exception of Brendan (Union Drummer Boy, whom I've tried without success), are there any other experts in the PA and MD (plus, possibly northern Virginia) areas that I can physically take the provenance to?

Thank you,

Yes they are as my collecting emphasizes on the Western Theater of the Civil War. If I could make one more suggestion there will be a big Civil War and military collectors show on October 25-26 in Gettysburg PA and some of these guys will definitely be there to talk to in person. Here is a link with more information.
https://gburgshow.com/

 

[History36]

Thank you for the friendly heads-up - I'll see if I can make it a point to personally stop in with the provenance in-hand, much appreciated!

Very Respectfully,