I use eBay for a start. That's because the 'antiques' I collect, buy and sell, are well represented in eBay categories. I also attend auctions, estate sales (see estatesales.net) and garage sales listed on Craigslist and the local 'papers'. There's much confusion about what is 'antique;, too. My sister is a registered dealer in NY State and claims that an 'antique' must be at least 100 years old. Then there is 'vintage', 'mid-century modern', 'steampunked' and even 'upcycled' for descriptions. For me personally, the worth of something is what someone else is willing to 'offer' you for it. Offers can be cash, barter, trade for odd jobs, and swap. (I always laugh when I see the 'cash in hand' offer. What other place would you place it ???
Then of course, the value depends on whether I am going to 'marry' something. That means keep it for a while as an addition to a personal collection. Otherwise, it's something I want for resale.
There are appraisal service companies, too. Auctioneers, furriers, antique dealers, pawn shops and insurance companies. But, a good rule is that value is determined by what someone will pay for it.
Yeah, I know, that old 1953 Jaguar that's in pieces out in Dad's barn full of rodent poo, broken windows, froze motor, missing a fender and no keys or title is worth $50,000 in your mind, but its worth ZERO to me and not much more to a scrap dealer. But, if that car still has a rear view mirror or a radiator in it and its not busted, someone might give you $5000 for it just for some spare parts.
:laughing:
