Appraisal Services
With the recognized value of rare records and music memorabilia reaching to the tens of thousands of dollars, it is more important than ever before that individual items and collections be evaluated and formally appraised.
The appraisal process leads to a document that is officially recognized for insurance, tax, property issues, and other legal considerations.
First we examine the physical item(s) and note condition, edition, and other key points of value characteristics.
Then we conduct extensive research to ascertain the current market value of the item or collection, based on recent sales figures, professional consensus, trend analysis, catalogs and guides, and other materials.
Although our personal expertise provides the foundation for our inquiries, we do not rely solely on our opinion — no matter how well-informed — to conduct an appraisal.
Our service provides a certified document that details and provides legally acceptable justification for the value estimate of an item or collection in the current marketplace. This document will also include a statement of the item or collection’s overall quality level (condition, pressing edition, cultural or historical touchpoints, desirability, etc.).
Evaluation, an option to Appraisal
For those who only need to know the approximate potential market value of their collection, we offer Evaluation as an alternative. Working from your list of items, we provide a detailed document with a range of average potential market values. You’ll be able to tell whether you have something worth $1.00, $10.00, $100.00, or more. This process is quicker and less expensive than a formal appraisal, and is most useful in estimating what a sale to a dealer might bring. Please contact us for more information.
Archival Services
Many collections grow out of an individual’s love of music. They collect records as a reflection of their life and obsessions.
Unfortunately, record collections, like life, can be a bit messy.
We offer a full array of services guaranteed to bring clarity and safety to your collection. Think of it as not only the ability to find what you want, but to know that it will be preserved in the best possible condition for as long as you want.
Archival services include:
- Physical organization of LPs, 45s, 78s, CDs, and other formats
- Electronic database archiving
- Disc and jacket preservation
- Safe cleaning and vinyl upgrade
- Storage consultation
- Insurance options
Disbursement Services
At some point perhaps there may be a desire to sell or otherwise dispose of one’s collection. We can provide expert advice and disbursement services to ensure that you receive the best return possible for your items.
Ethical standards insist that no appraisal be conducted guided by an appraiser’s self-interest. We will not appraise collections in order to purchase them directly or to act as broker. Disbursement services provided are completely separate from any appraisal activity, and will be fully agreed between all parties with complete transparency prior to beginning.
We offer sale and auction management through multiple sources. Disbursement strategies may involve research into retail stores, auctions, set sales, the professional dealer and collector network, and the media for the highest profile forum.
Donations to libraries, organizations, and other non-profit entities will be investigated in the same rigorous manner to ensure the best tax benefit.