Appraisal Services: how to get large art collection appraised?

[sigamy]

Long story but my MIL had to sell her house and downsize into an apartment. Has not been an easy process as she has some hoarding tendencies.

Over 40 years she has collected paintings and prints. Majority of these have been purchased in yard sales or flea markets.

She believes that she has valuable pieces. She is over 80 and at times she doesn't listen. Some pieces were appraised few years ago for "no value" and she discounted the appraisal and said, "they don't know what they are talking about".

There are about 100 pieces. Various sizes, some framed, some just canvas. Paintings, prints, etc.

I don't know if the whole collection is worth $100, $1,000, $10,000. My guess is we have a few hundred dollars here...selling off individual pieces.

I know nothing about art. And no one knows any history on the paintings. They could be from a no-name person two towns over or they could be some "famous" artist.

How can I get this appraised at an affordable price? I can't pay hundreds of dollars to find out that the collection is worth $100. Any tips on who to use? Good web sites? Do I have to do a lot of research upfront to maybe thin the collection down? (Not sure I can or what to do this...)

[kork13]

I'm not experienced with art appraisal, but I think I'd start at an auction house. Depending on the size of the auction house, they typically have either an on-site or on-call appraiser that could take a look at everything. If you extend the offer of the auction house selling off any pieces of value, they may be willing to offer the appraisal services for free, or at least on a contingency fee (they get a percentage of the sale price).

If that doesn't work, they should at least be able to give a recommendation for a good appraiser that you could talk to. No idea what they charge, but right now, you just need info. But frankly, if your MIL's collection is anything like others I've seen from her generation (I think collections of value were "a thing" when that generation was in their formative years), is bet that most of it is effectively valueless, with a couple that could sell for perhaps a hundred or two.

[snafu]

I suspect MIL is a fan of Antique Roadshow where they mostly show name brand pieces and evaluate the ugliest for significant prices at 'the right art auction,' or a 'good gallery.' That show has potential to make octogenarians believe all old junk is a valued part of their 'estate.' They always recommend the item be insured for about twice it's supposed value which adds to my belief the valuation is merely a figure plucked from air.

If you can discern the name of the artist on the paintings, your librarian should be able to direct you to appropriate sites to locate biographies of those with potential value. Often the value is the cost of the frame as they can be hugely expensive.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

Get an art auction house?