Experience dealing with high end auctions

[Anonymous]

I am looking to unload an item that is a one-of-a-kind, potentially worth six figures. Museums are turning out to be a bust, since they prefer donations.

Has anyone ever had to deal with this, will museums buy items or will they only take it as a gift.

And on the first point of auctions, such as Christie's, any experiences would be helpful, thanks! Antique appraiser recommendations would be useful as well, in NOVA.

[Anonymous]

Museums will rarely buy a six figure item from some person who cold calls them. If what you have really is that valuable, you need to find broker/dealer or consign it to auction. All of the major national and regional auction houses have contact info on their websites. Each house also has different specialties, especially when it comes to art.

To find a qualified appraiser, go to one of the professional certification sites: http://www.appraisersassociation.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.ViewPage&PageID=781
or
https://www.isa-appraisers.org/

Sometimes auction houses will give you a ballpark estimate for free of what price they think they could get for it at auction. This will most likely be lower than the appraised value for insurance or even retail, since auction prices are variable. You'll also have to factor in whatever sellers premium they'd take from the sales price.

If you could say what the item you have is, specifically or generally, I could possibly point you towards the right auctions to contact.

[Anonymous]

In DC, one place to start with is Weschler's, a reputable, old auction house. However, you should certainly talk to at least three and probably more sources.

[Anonymous]

Also see the smaller houses such as Phillips. Consider e-bay too with professional (or near professional, if you use a student) photos.