appraisals

 

appraisal services

Brian Lebel provides professional appraisals of fine art, antiques, decorative arts and other personal property related to the American West. Appraisal services may include letters of opinion, value approximations, or extensive reports and documents. Brian works with individuals, institutions and businesses to determine which service is best suited for that client’s unique needs. Single items and complete collections are welcome.

appraisal benefits

There are many different reasons to obtain a professional appraisal, including establishing value for insurance applications or claims, documenting charitable donations, for tax needs, estate services, legal matters, financial planning and other times when an accurate report of value, obtained from an experienced individual, is critical. With over 30 years as a leader in the Western Americana collecting industry, Brian has the market expertise needed to provide both “Replacement Cost” and/or “Fair Market Value” appraisals to individuals, museums, corporations, insurance companies and others who require an honest assessment from a reputable, knowledgeable provider.

pricing

Appraisal fees are negotiable, and will be billed either by the hour, or for a flat fee, and are dependent upon a number of factors including the type of services required, the number of items to be appraised, the volume of research, travel requirements, and other considerations. Generally speaking, a written appraisal that does not require travel is charged at the rate of $150 per hour, research included. A single page “Letter of Opinion” that includes an estimated range of value is available for a flat fee of $95 per item.

We are often able to work from detailed photographs combined with condition reports, provenance, and/or other corroborating documents. Some appraisals require an on-site evaluation, and we prefer to work on-site when dealing with significant or historic material. Brian may provide a complimentary initial consultation (or several, depending upon complexity) to establish a plan and a price.

 

considering an auction?

If you are considering selling your items at auction, please let us know this before scheduling an appraisal service. Consignment inquiries accepted here.

authentication services

Brian Lebel and Old West Antiques do not authenticate fine art, artifacts, photographs or other personal property. Appraisals are estimates of value and are not intended to confer authenticity. Though we cannot recommend authentication professionals, we encourage you to seek legitimate provenance documents, particularly those that are contemporary in era to the item in question.

request an appraisal

Contact us at 484-639-9378 or contactus@brianlebel.com.

some of our clients

Over the decades, Brian has done appraisals for many of the country’s top collectors, museums and insurance companies, including: The John Wayne Experience, Fort Worth, TX, Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Cody, WY • The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, OK • Museum of Northwest Colorado, Craig, CO • The McCracken Research Library, Cody, WY • Museum of the Old West, Cody, WY • Autry National Center, Los Angeles, CA • Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum, Branson, MO • Roswell Museum & Art Center, Roswell, NM • Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa, OK • Eiteljorg Museum of Western Art, Indianapolis, IN • Woolaroc Museum, Bartlesville, OK • Chubb Insurance • Allstate Insurance • Travelers Insurance • Fireman’s Fund, and other museums, individuals and corporate clients.