If he hadn’t been a great detective, Sherlock Holmes would have been an excellent appraiser. His crime-solving skills are exactly what a good antique appraiser needs: keen observation and logical deduction.

Antique enthusiasts who use the Sherlock Holmes approach to buying antiques will always find the best buys and avoid being “ripped off” by unscrupulous dealers. This approach is easy to use once the basics are learned. It’s a three-step approach: first, have the necessary tools; then look at the fine details of his subject matter; and finally compare what he finds with what he knows (or can find out).

The tools of the trade

Sherlock was rarely without his magnifying glass. Appraisers also carry a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe. Magnification is useful for studying small details: maker’s marks, brush strokes, tool and machine marks, screws and fasteners. A flashlight is also helpful, because it’s often difficult to see into cabinet niches or inspect objects in dim light. The size of an item can help determine if it’s original, so it’s important to bring a tape measure. Magnets are especially useful for spotting replacement hardware, so keep a magnet in your pocket. Finally, a small, thin-bladed knife will allow an appraiser to probe for loose cabinet joints or scrape away small layers of paint. Lastly, have a notebook and pencil handy for jotting down details and sketching, and a camera for taking photos.

Notice the fine details

Sherlock Holmes had a remarkable ability to notice small details that no one else noticed. Usually it was the small details that led to the crime being solved. Appraisers spend a lot of time examining the items they are appraising, because sometimes it’s a small detail that will uncover a fake. To examine an item like an appraiser does, take your time. Examine the object from all angles: above, below and from both sides. If the item is large, step back and look at it from a distance. Get the big picture, then take a closer look at the details. Note color, size, materials, decorations, signatures, maker’s marks, and quality of workmanship. Open drawers and doors, lift lids, and turn handles. Are there signs of wear? How is it done? What are the dimensions of the object? Are there seams in the glass or porcelain? If you are inspecting furniture, how are the joints made and what fasteners are used? What condition is it in? Have repairs been made? Missing pieces? Use your notepad to write down what you find, and take a photo of anything you think might be significant.

Compare your findings with the known facts

Once you have thoroughly examined your object, it is time to compare your findings with the known facts about the genuine object. This comparison is the “final analysis” that will tell you if your item is genuine or fake and how much it may be worth. The four questions that need to be answered at this stage are:

Are my findings consistent with the materials and manufacturing techniques used in the genuine article? For example, if you examine a purported Philadelphia highboy and find machine-made dovetail joints in the drawers, you would be looking at a reproduction, not an original. What is the condition? Old objects will show signs of wear; finishes will crack and seals and mechanical parts will come loose. Items in particularly poor condition don’t bring a lot of money. How rare is the item? Just because an item is old doesn’t mean it’s valuable. Value is a matter of supply and demand. Old items that are commonplace or that nobody wants won’t be worth much. Rare and in-demand items will bring a healthy price. Does the item have a fair price? With the details you’ve gathered, you can quickly check online sources to see what similar items are selling for in comparable condition.

The bottom line

Appraisal of antiques like an appraiser will help collectors more accurately identify and value antiques, locate the best buys, and avoid being “ripped off.”