AnodyneAntiques (239) 404-8505
Evaluations · Naples, Florida

What is it, and what is it worth?

Bring it in, send a photograph, or have us out to the house. We'll tell you what you have, what it's likely to bring, and — just as important — when you actually need a certified appraisal and when you don't.

Blue-and-white porcelain and a painted cabinet in the shop blue & white

A free evaluation

An evaluation is our professional opinion of what a piece is and what it would realistically sell for — here, at auction, or privately — based on the marks, the maker, the condition and what comparable pieces have actually brought. It's free, it's honest, and it comes with a recommendation: sell it, consign it, send it to auction, insure it, or keep it because it's worth more to you than to anyone else.

We do these every day at the shop and in homes across Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers. One piece or a houseful.

When you need a certified appraisal instead

Some situations call for a formal, written appraisal from an independent, credentialed appraiser working to recognized professional standards. Our evaluation is not that document, and we'll tell you plainly when you need one:

  • Insurance — scheduling valuable items on a homeowner's policy, or documenting a loss.
  • Probate and estate tax — Florida estates and federal estate-tax filings can require a date-of-death appraisal of tangible personal property.
  • Charitable donation — the IRS requires a qualified appraisal for non-cash gifts above a certain value.
  • Divorce, litigation or equitable distribution — where an independent third-party figure is needed.

We are not certified appraisers and we don't pretend to be. We can refer you to independent appraisers we trust, tell you what to expect in cost and turnaround, and help you prepare the pieces and paperwork so the appraisal goes smoothly.

A note on conflicts. An appraiser should never be the person buying the piece. That's why we keep the two things separate: our evaluations are free opinions with a recommendation; a certified appraisal, when you need one, comes from someone with no stake in the sale.

What to bring, or photograph

  • Silver: the marks on the underside or the back — hallmarks, "sterling," "925," maker's names. A photograph of the whole set laid out helps.
  • Paintings and prints: the front, the signature, and the back — labels, stamps, inscriptions and old auction tags tell half the story.
  • Furniture: the piece overall, the joinery inside a drawer, the underside, any labels or stamps, and honest photographs of damage.
  • Porcelain and glass: the base marks, and any chips, cracks or repairs held up to the light.
  • Anything else: whatever it is, from three angles, plus a coin or a ruler for scale.

Don't clean or polish anything before you show it to us. Patina is information, and an over-enthusiastic polish can take value off a piece of silver in ten minutes.

Questions people ask

Is the evaluation really free?

Yes. In the shop, over email with photographs, or at the house for an estate. There's no fee and no obligation to sell.

Will you give me a number in writing?

For estates, yes — a written evaluation is part of our estate service. For an individual piece we'll usually give you a range and a recommendation on the spot, and put it in an email if you'd like a record.

What's the difference between what it's "worth" and what you'd pay?

Fair question. Retail value, auction estimate, insurance replacement value and a dealer's buying price are all different numbers for the same object. We'll explain which is which for your piece, so that whatever you decide to do, you're deciding with the full picture.

Can you appraise jewelry or watches?

Our sister shop, Naples Estate Jewelry, handles jewelry, gold, diamonds, watches and coins at the same address. Bring everything in one trip.

How do I get a certified appraisal for probate in Collier County?

Call us and describe the estate. We'll tell you whether an appraisal is likely to be required, refer you to an independent credentialed appraiser, and — if you'd like — handle the sale of the contents once the appraisal is done.

Always acquiring

Have something with a past?

We buy single pieces and entire estates — antiques, silver, art, and furniture. Honest evaluations, free of charge and free of pressure.