Any object, irrespective
of the material that it is made from or its used can be
deemed to be an antique if it has been in existence for
a hundred years or more. In that sense, many different
objects can be classified as antiques. For instance, one
can find antique stamps, antique clocks, antique
armoires or chairs, the list is endless.
Naturally, because of the variety of materials used and
the existence of a great number of items that date back
to ancient times, there are certain professionals who
have, through their vast experience in the field, gained
expert knowledge on antiques and artifacts. Such experts
use their knowledge to date the antique, and even
estimate its worth.
Antique books have been favorites of antique collectors
for generations. However an antique books worth depends
on various factors which makes it absolutely essential
to appraise antique books. For instance, one must
consider points like the book’s condition, the
reputation and popularity of the author, the rarity of
the publication and the subject matter or content of the
book. All of these contribute to establishing its worth.
To get an accurate idea about the estimated value of a
book, an appraiser’s services are invaluable. One can
get in touch with an antique book appraiser through an
antique books appraisers directory or alternately one
can run a search for, ‘free appraisals online antique
books’ on the Internet. The Internet can also be a
valuable source for how to sell antique books online or
to find specific antique books for sale like books on
pricing antique china for example. One must be careful
when using sites that offer antique books free
appraisals however.
When pricing antique books online insure that you get in
touch with or read the comments of other users that have
visited the site and used the services of the free
online appraiser. This would give you a better idea of
how much you can trust the website and the opinion of
the appraiser.
The basic value of a book, in the case of antique books
and the retail price of the antique book may have
absolutely nothing to do with each other.
For instance, if you own a book that has been passed
down to you through several generations of your
ancestors, you have to consider how rare the book is to
even estimate a vague idea of its value. Certain books,
like specific dictionaries for instance, may have no
special worth because of their age because they are
fairly common.
In such cases, their cost price may actually fall below
the printed price with the passage of time. However, if
the dictionary you own is a limited edition dictionary
or includes certain archaic words or words that are no
longer part of common parlance, this may be a valuable
find. Another point to remember is that because of
varying likes and dislikes across the globe, certain
books can command a better price in certain areas than
in others. .
IMPORTANT NOTE: Items over hundred years are not permitted to be taken out of India without the permission of the Director General, The Archaeological survey of India, Janpath, New Delhi - 110 011.