Posted By:
davidcyclebackAn appraisel isn't an authentication. Appraisers have specialites,
and will try to identify fakes and reprints, but their job is to
come up with a value "assuming the items are authentic." No one appraising
for insurance the contents of a home is expected to be able to authenticate
everything from a Joe DiMaggio signed ball to an antique teddy bear to
a vase. An appraiser will be able to identify some items that are fake and
value accordingly, and many appraisers will have good knowledge of the market
and fakes and LOAs and stuff like that.
When you're a seller or auctioneer, it's a different story, as you are taking
responsibility for accurate descriptions.