What are some online resources to research antique values?

Using a variety of online resources will give you the most accurate valuation. For quick searches on common collectibles, use sales databases. For items you suspect are very valuable, rely on expert opinions from auction houses.

Quick, free research and identification:

  • Google Lens: This app is a fast, visual search tool that uses your phone's camera. You can snap a photo of an item to instantly identify it and find similar items online, which helps narrow down search terms for further research.

  • eBay "Sold Listings": To get the real market value of a common item, use eBay's "Sold" filter, not the active listings. The sold price reflects what someone was actually willing to pay. This is a great resource for seeing the real-time value of most vintage and collectible items.

  • LiveAuctioneers: A massive database of over 29 million past auction results for fine art, antiques, and collectibles. It is an indispensable tool for seeing what similar items have sold for at auction. You can search by keywords and filter results by auction house or date.

  • Kovels.com: A highly respected online price guide and identification resource. While a full subscription is required for complete access, many public libraries offer free digital access to the database. It also contains an extensive dictionary of maker's marks, which is crucial for identification.

Paid or subscription-based resources:

  • WorthPoint: A comprehensive paid service with over 540 million prices in its database. It offers historical price data and information on identifying maker's marks. It is an excellent resource for researchers and collectors with multiple items to appraise.

  • Curio.app: This mobile app uses AI-powered image recognition to identify an item from a photo. It provides instant identification, historical context, and a valuation estimate. It's useful for on-the-go discoveries at flea markets or estate sales.

  • ValueMyStuff.com: Offers expert appraisals for a small fee, often within 48 hours. You upload photos of your item, and a specialist, often with a background at Sotheby's or Christie's, provides a valuation.

Expert appraisals from auction houses:

  • Christie's and Sotheby's: For potentially high-value items, you can submit photos for a free provisional auction estimate. This is not a formal appraisal but a preliminary assessment to determine if your item is suitable for sale at one of their prestigious auctions.

  • Heritage Auctions: A leading collectibles auction house, Heritage offers free auction evaluations for items in specialized categories like comics, coins, and sports memorabilia. Their searchable archive of past auction results is also an excellent resource.

  • Other auction houses: Many specialized auction houses offer free online estimates, including Doyle (New York), Swann Auction Galleries (works on paper), and Bonhams.

Tips for effective online research:

  • Use visual search: If you don't know what you have, start with a visual search tool like Google Lens or Curio to get key identifying features and search terms.

  • Look for "sold" prices: To determine true market value, only look at completed or sold listings. The asking price for an item can be misleading.

  • Use multiple sources: Never rely on a single resource. Cross-reference auction databases with sales marketplaces to get a more comprehensive picture of value.

  • Prepare with good photos: When submitting items for an online appraisal, always provide high-quality, well-lit photos from multiple angles, especially of any maker's marks or damage.