mlm

The antique appraisal TV programs are a very popular phenomenon here in the US and in Europe (where they originated in England I think). I spoke with an antique dealer who finds it a bit frustrating--not because the owners know the true value of their antique and can't be cheated--but because everyone thinks their antique is worth a fortune because they saw something similar on TV worth $20,000. There are many chrome plated lugers, re-upholstered couches, brightly polished lamps, etc. that the owners mistakenly think are worth thousands.


Condition is key. The average person thinks the item is the key to value but it is the condition. The more original information retained by the item, the more the value. I harp on that theme whenever I talk to people in hopes antiques will be protected better than they have been in the past.


The chromed luger may truly be from an SS officer. One way to handle this is to provide an appraisal with a smile. Say, "Your luger is worth about $350 to $450." You can provide some historical information about the popular habit of chroming lugers and placing photos under grips made from plexiglass aircraft windows. If they don't ask about the value of other lugers then it is not necessary to emphasize what their luger would have been worth had it not been altered. Ask them if they would like to know more about lugers in general and the range of values, types and conditions. If they do not, you need not upset them with negative comments about the condition of their luger. If they do, provide the information in a positive way.


Just my opinion.

dm