Choosing the right executive desk

The piece of furniture most commonly known as an executive desk is more accurately known as a pedestal desk. The design features a large flat work surface supported by two pedestals, one on either side of where the user will sit; these pedestals usually feature drawers in which items can be stored. The executive desk will also have a center drawer in between the two pedestals, just above where the user will sit.  Executive Desk, Mahogany, Leather Inlay Choosing the best desk of this design starts with identifying the defining characteristics and choosing the appropriate size for your needs. Most executive desk models are fairly large, though if you are working with a smaller space, you can find a smaller desk that fits the executive desk design. Take careful measurements of your office to ensure you choose the right size desk for your needs. Once you have determined the appropriate size, think carefully about the features you want included with the desk, the materials you want the desk to be made from, and the overall aesthetic you would like to see.   Leighton Hall Partners Desk, Mahogany Desk Most quality executive desks are made from hardwoods such as oak or mahogany because these woods are both durable and beautiful. They are also exceptionally heavy, so be prepared for a desk that will not be moved easily, especially if it is quite large. The aesthetics of an executive desk can vary significantly. Some can be quite plain, relying on the grain and tone of the wood to create the visual appeal, while others may feature ornate carvings, plinths, or other decorative aspects that add visual appeal. It helps to research various designs to find the one that suits you best. Remember that more ornate desks with hand-carved features can get quite expensive, so it is a good idea to think about your budget before you purchase. Hardwoods also tend to be more expensive than softwoods, which are more prone to damage such as cracking, chipping, warping, or even molding.  CEO Executive Desk Mahogany Leather Inlay Modern executive desk models sometimes feature slide-out keyboard trays, which are very useful if you will be using a computer at your desk. This slide-out tray will help you maintain an ergonomic position while sitting in your chair, and when coupled with an ergonomic chair, the set-up will ensure your comfort throughout the day. You also may want to consider a desk that features a special cabinet to house a computer's CPU.  Leighton Hall Kidney Shape Desk

At Aardvark Antiques we are selling floor samples of some of the finest desks made. I personally know the President of Leighton Hall furniture. He allows us to buy these formal high-end desks, credenzas, conference tables, shelving units, and file cabinets. We sell these at a fraction of the retail cost to fine offices around the country. No one can beat our quality and prices. Call us today to see what we have available at 770-534-6611 as some of our pieces are subject to availability at these low low prices. Shop our ebay store and for best selection shop with us directly at www.aardvark-antiques.com. Leighton Hall Chippendale Writing Desk

Spotting Real and Fake Antiques

The high level of skill and expense required to create a fake antique means that you probably won't ever encounter one in your shopping rounds; they aren't very common. What you're much more likely to encounter are reproductions with a good many years of use on them. Furniture styles of past periods and designers are still manufactured and sold new today. Charles Pharr Jr. of the respected antiques firm Aardvark Antiques & Estate Liquidations, says that visual inspection is the first step in detecting a restored, faked or reproduced antique. "The overall view, which I call 'aspect,' should be appropriate for the period and for the area in which it was made," he says. In your inspection, look at the wood, joints, tool marks, hardware and oxidation on the wood made by the screws and other hardware during aging. Wood is an important indicator of the age of a piece. Different woods were favored during different periods -- and by different makers. Prior to 1720, walnut, a dark wood, was popular with Europeans and colonists. It was used for elegant Queen Anne tables and chairs, and for pieces of utility such as colonial benches and cupboards. Mahogany was the prime choice for mid-18th century formal furniture, such as dining and drawing room pieces. It was also prominent in Chippendale styles. Cherry, a paler red than mahogany but just as strong, was abundant in North America and widely used to build sturdy, durable furnishings for rural dwellers. Many antiques, new and old alike, are made from oak. It was often the first choice for European furniture before 1700, and enjoyed renewed popularity in circa 1900s American furniture especially for mission furniture and the Arts & Crafts period. Pale, fine-grained, strong, heavy, and hard maple provided country craftsmen with wood for functional furnishings. The beauty of grain patterns in bird's-eye and tiger-striped maple encouraged cabinetmakers to apply maple veneers to plain furniture made of other woods. Finally, humble pine was disguised or hidden in most antique furniture. Mostly, it was used for the backs, undersides and interiors. If the entire article was constructed of pine, it would have been painted or stained to look like a more expensive wood. Also keep in mind that manufacturers of pre-20th century furniture never used plywood or particle board, it did not exist then. It's important also to look at the color and condition of the wood. Wood darkens and shrinks as it ages. Thin panels used as door inserts and drawer bottoms shrink faster than the thicker frames that support them. This shrinkage causes splits or cracks in panels that were nailed to the frame. Panels that were loosely held in place may no longer cover the full space of the frame. Where this is the case, the exposed edge should be slightly lighter in color than the rest of the wood composing the furniture. How the wood ages over time could also help you spot not only whether it's real, but also how old it is. Determining the age of an antique because wood shrinks across the grain but not along it, very old furniture may appear to be misshapen. A tabletop that was round when it was crafted becomes slightly oval with great age. Wooden pegs that jut out just a bit from the surface of a chair leg or cabinet side are also indicators of age-related shrinkage.
The way furniture is put together is an important indicator of age. Early craftsmen used hand-cut mortise-and-tenon joints, dovetail joints and wooden pegs. Hand cut dovetails are wider and cruder than dovetails made with machines starting in the mid-19th century during the Industrial Revolution. Nails tell their own story. Rose Head nails were forged individually by blacksmiths in the 1700s. After shaping the nail, the blacksmith placed it in a heading tool and delivered several hammer blows to form the distinctive head. Cut nails were prominent from 1790 to 1890. Sharp-ended wire nails with flat, round heads began to be machine produced around 1880. Staples are hallmarks of 20th-century manufacturing.
Different cutting and sanding tools leave distinctive marks on wood and give clues to the era during which a piece of furniture was made. Look for saw marks on unfinished backs and undersides. Straight, irregular marks indicate pre-1830 hand cut wood. Around 1830, sawmills cut wood, leaving straight, even marks. Circular cuts are post 1850. Exposed surfaces of antiques were hand-sanded. They're less smooth and even than machine-sanded surfaces. My uncle owns a sawmill in Mississippi and could expain the different cuts to you well.
Now that you know the difference between a reproduction and an authentic antique, where's the best place to buy antique furniture.? Aardvark Antiques & Estate Liquidations! www.aardvark-antiques.com

Pine

Fantanstic Rare Antique Solid Pine Wood Six Board Blanket Chest Circa 1830

Oak

1890's Tiger Oak Sideboard

Mahogany

Monumental 9 ft Dutch Marquetry Mahogany French Bombe Bookcase Secretary Circa 1780

Cherry

Cherry Hope Chest, Cedar Lined, Early American Style

Walnut

Solid Walnut 4 Drawer Chest of Drawers, Bun Feet Late 1800's

Maple

Queen Anne Style, Maple Highboy Dresser

Antique Hardware

Rare Antique Large Size Oval Tilt Top Dining Table, Victorian, Flaming Mahogany, Circa 1880's

Notice how a couple of modern screws were used as replacements in this piece.


Examples of late 1970's structure.


Example of structure of a piece dated between 1840 and 1880.

Estate Sales: What you need to know

About Our Estate Sale Services | Why Choose Us? | FAQs | Testimonials

About Our Estate Sale Services

At Aardvark Antiques & Estate Liquidations, we know that the loss of a loved one is never easy. Nor is the need to downsize your personal property. Therefore, it is our personal aim to help you manage your personal life event in the simplest and quickest way possible. We are sensitive to the many varied emotions you may experience and we help you by upholding honest and professional standards at all times. We are dedicated to making this time as comfortable as possible for you by removing the burden associated with estate liquidation.Ever mindful of our client's needs, we strive to offer the best service, tailor made to suit each particular situation that arises. Whether you need an appraisal, a sale conducted on-premises, brokerage of one piece or guidance in the market place; we are able to assist you to obtain maximum dollar in the Atlanta, Gainesville, North, Ga. Areas.

• 7 Days-A-Week!! • Free Consult & Estimate • Personal Property Appraisals • Estate Sales Promotion • Complete Pricing & Display • Crowd & Sales Control • Packing & Delivery of Items • Accurate Accounting

With our many years of experience as estate liquidators in Georgia, at Aardvark Antiques we take our estate liquidation and sales services very seriously. Our extensive experience results in the minimum risk of reduced revenues through under pricing or low sales due to overpricing. And, we strive to get the maximum return for your estate by effectively managing the entire process. An important component of our process is to aggressively promote estate sales to our extensive email list of customers and at our two antique stores. We our proud of our track record of 100% estate liquidations! In fact, crowds start lining up for hours at the door for our estate sales. Everyone wants a great deal!

Our list of services include:

• Research and appraisals for items like: antique furniture, books, fine art, collectibles, china, sterling, etc., as well as regular items.
• Advertising estate sale via flyers, at our two store locations, newspaper ads, web site, faxes, and e-mails to our extensive list of customers. We market your estate or individual heirloom worldwide through our online store, multiple online websites, auctions, and thousands of our retail paying customers. We are Atlanta area estate sales professionals. Also, preparation, posting (and later removal) of signs that attract and direct customers.
• Handling all work involved before, during, and after the estate sale.
• Pricing, displaying, and packing of items.
• Professional display and sales methods to achieve the best possible results in the least amount of time.
• Crowd and sales control to protect your property.
• Arrangements made for, and supervision of pickup or delivery for large items.
• Broom cleaning of any area of the house used in the estate sale.
• No worry about returns. All sales are final. All items sold "as is."
• No hidden costs. We don’t ask for money up front. Fees are based on commission and are clarified in advance in a written contract. The cost pays for itself many times over.
• Accurate accounting of all monies received.

Why Choose Us?

Our knowledge is your advantage. Again, we pride ourselves on our knowledge and experience, but we still have a lot to learn. That’s why we are active associate members of the International Society of Appraisers, (www.isa-appraisers.org), a federally-recognized organization dedicated to advancing the professionalism and effectiveness of personal property appraisers. We also attend seminars and training classes to enhance our professional skills. The more we learn, the better job we do for you.

We are ethical. Customers keep coming back to Aardvark because they know we are honest. When we give you an appraisal or information on a piece, you can be sure we have done a thorough research. If we don’t know, we will tell you. We won’t mislead you in any way. We conduct our business with honesty and integrity. We are committed to helping you. Is there any way other way to do business? We want your referrals! Your success is our business!

Still not convinced? Here’s a list of reasons as to why you should hire us:

• Professional Estate sales in Atlanta, Gainesville, and North Georgia areas are a full time business for us. Unlike some of our competitors who conduct estate sales on a part-time basis, at Aardvark Antiques and Estate Liquidations we conduct estate sales on a daily, ongoing basis. We either buy or sell as a service, using the sale as an extension of our retail stores.
• Crowds gather at our estate sales. Again, unlike some of our competitors, we don’t rely on dealers or wholesalers as customers. We aggressively promote our estate sales among the hundreds of retail customers that visit our two stores, through our extensive e-mail, fax and mailing list, and newspaper advertising. We know how to attract buyers.
• Our track record speaks for itself. We always meet, and usually exceed our estimates. We have a track record of 100% liquidations.
• We have buying power. We have the capital to purchase large estates and the capacity to handle the inventory.
• We have excellent contacts. Many times we spot a treasure that requires additional expertise. In these cases, we consult directly with our contacts in fine auction houses such as Sotheby’s.
• Business experience. Before he opened Aardvark Antiques and Estate Liquidations in 1997, Charles Pharr owned and operated a thrift store for three years. He knows how to get top dollar for any item.

FAQs

1. Why can't I just do my own sale?
   
   You could but we don't recommend it. When an individual conducts a sale, the valuable items often sell at give away prices and the less desirable items do not sell. We are experienced. We know what items are worth. We know how to sort and organize property. We know how to attract buyers. We know how to manage a crowd. We know how to comply with local and state ordinances and laws.
2. What should I throw away and what should I keep?
   
   Please do not throw anything away without talking to us first. The old saying that "one man's trash is another man's treasure" is very true. Practically everything has some value, and we can find a buyer for almost anything.
3. What are some of the things you sell?
   
   We have extensive experience selling antiques, furniture, jewelry, artwork, household items, tools, automobiles, and collections of all kinds. We have sold just about everything!
4. What if I only have a few things I want to sell?
   
   We accept good items on consignment.
5. What does your commission include?
   
   When you hire us to conduct your Estate Sale you are getting... our experience and expertise, our ability to attract buyers, our ability to sell your property for top dollar, our ability to solve problems for you, all necessary supplies and equipment, trained personnel, advertising, and removal of ordinary household trash. We apply our management experience, business experience, product knowledge, people skills, and knowledge of the market to conduct a successful Estate Sale for you.
6. May I attend the Estate Sale?
   
   We are very comfortable having you attend the Estate Sale. However, most people find it emotionally difficult and prefer to do something else.
7. When do we have to pay you? When will you pay me?
   
   There are two options. If the estate representative is present, we ask that he or she pays our commission in cash at the end of each sale day. If it is more convenient, we can mail you a final sale summary with our business check less our commission, no later than 5 days after the Estate Sale is over.
8. Do you allow dealers to come in early to buy?
   
   No. We want to make sure that our customers have an equal purchasing opportunity. Some of our appraiser associates are dealers. We don’t feel it is ethical to allow them to price and buy before the sale. We would like to point out, however, that in some specific cases, there may be items that are too delicate and valuable to be displayed at a public sale. These items may be sent directly to fine auction houses such as Sotheby’s.
9. How do I know you are honest?
   
   We have established an outstanding reputation for uncompromising honesty, integrity, professionalism, and service. We have many satisfied customers, and will be happy to provide you with references.
10. What do you do with the things that do not sell?
    
    Again, most items will sell. You have two choices. We will arrange for the leftover property to be picked up by a reputable auctioneer to be sold. Once we receive payment from the auctioneer, we will send you a business check less our commission. Or, we will pay you a fair market price for it.
11. Isn't it a conflict of interest for Aardvark Antiques to buy leftover items?
    
    We don't consider it a conflict of interest in any way. Often there are not many leftover items, and in most cases, these items are the most difficult to sell. We feel it is a service and a convenience to you for Aardvark to buy out any leftover property.
12. What do I need to do to help?
    
    You do not have to do a thing! We do all the work. Just don't trash anything until we have a chance to see it.
13. How will you organize and display my property?
    
    We work with our experienced employees and auctioneer associates to organize and arrange your property in the most attractive manner possible. We pay close attention to cleaning and displaying your property so that it will be appealing to potential buyers.
14. What about clean up after the Estate Sale?
    
    The house and property will be completely empty of all merchandise that has value after the Estate Sale. We will dispose of the remaining ordinary household trash at no additional cost to you, provided that you maintain your trash service. If there is excessive trash, or if you have discontinued your trash service, we can arrange to have it removed at an additional cost to you. We will not discard any chemicals, paints, or hazardous materials.
15. How do you know so much about the Estate Sale business?
    
    We have extensive experience selling personal property using the Estate Sale method. Our experience ranges from estate jewelry to fine art, antique furniture to modern furniture, books to musical instruments, household items to tools, scientific instruments to glassware, ceramics to automobiles. We are active members in local, state and national organizations. We attend seminars and training classes to enhance our professional skills. We pride ourselves on our knowledge and experience. However, no one can know everything about a field as extensive as antiques and personal property. Therefore, we have a wide variety of skilled experts we can call if we discover an area in which we need assistance. Charles Pharr is an Accredited Member of the International Society of Appraisers. (ISA)
16. Every business claims to be the best, and you are no exception. Convince me.
    
    First and foremost, our customers tell us so! We will be glad to provide you with references.

Testimonials

"I appreciate your professionalism and expertise...notably, by using your detail-knowledge of antiques to help my brother and me better appreciate the value and pedigree of our family heirlooms, you selfessly sacrified potential income in deference to our satisfaction. And is was this, your uncompromising integrity, I appreciated above all else.”

- Raleigh Rogers

“...The sale attracted hundreds of people, and the best pieces were sold, including a car. I feel very confident and pleased to recommend Aardvark Estate Liquidations to my clients”

- Jerry A. Williams, Attorney at Law

Appraisals: What You Need to Know

Appraisal Service you can believe in! 

Charles Pharr Jr., Accredited Member of the International Society of Appraisers has become one of Georgia's premier valuators of Antiques and Residential Contents. He also provides valuations to law firms, banks, insurance companies and the IRS. Charles recently was chosen from several of the top appraisers in Georgia to inspect and give value to the contents of the Hubert Humphrey estate aka Le Reu in Cumming, Georgia. This $50 million estate was comprised of 90 Acres, 45,000 sq ft home full of lavish luxury, fine furniture, antiques, and art. Charles works for the best and will do his best for you.

Hubert Humphrey Estate in Cumming, GA

Charles Pharr Jr. AAI/ISA

Aardvark Antiques.com
Isa-Appraisers.org

Why Get An Appraisal?

Why get an antique appraisal? Other than simply being curious about the value of that old rocker in the attic, an antique appraisal provides a written estimate of the value of an item. This can be helpful for the following reasons:

Insurance purposes: Insurance companies require proof of ownership and proof of value before insuring an antique item or before settling a claim.

Distribution to heirs: Wills often state that an inheritance is to be split evenly among several heirs. Many questions, arguments, and lawsuits are prevented or easily settled with a professional appraisal.

Selling your valuable: Having the value of your item professionally established provides documentation and assists in selling your treasure.

Asset Distribution for Divorces: Tangible assets, personal property, that need to be divided should be done fairly and equitably.

Estate Tax Liability: For estates whose value exceeds the exemption level set by the IRS, it is imperative that you know the actual fair market value for tax purposes.

Estate Executor Liability: An estate executor is personally at risk if he/she fails to accurately handle estate items.

100 year-old rocking chair from www.aardvark-antiques.com.

The Types of Appraisal Services We Offer

INSURANCE APPRAISAL SERVICES:

Appraisals for Obtaining Fine Art Insurance

A signed Cunningham from www.aardvark-antiques.com

We provide you with a formal appraisal written under the standards of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice that will be accepted by your insurance company.

We can advise you on the best insurance coverage rates, ways to lower your premium and creative methods to protect you in case of theft. We take the hassle out of insuring your valuable items.

We can work from property descriptions, purchase receipts, photos or home videos. Store appointments are available; home visits can also be easily arranged.

Protect your fine art, antique furniture, silver, porcelain, memorabilia, vintage items, and collectibles now with a proper appraisal to provide your insurance company in case of theft. We do not provide appraisals for jewelry. 

WE DO NOT SELL INSURANCE

Some insurance companies advise you to only have appraised items worth over $5,000. What they don’t tell you is that objects worth $1,000, $2,500 or even $4,500 are not protected. Should you have a claim, the burden of proof is on you to prove you owned and how much they were worth. This is almost impossible after they are gone. The total value of items worth less than $5,000 could easily exceed the few items worth more than $5,000. Just because you have a policy for extensive home contents coverage it doesn't mean the insurance company will give you what you deserve without independent verification. Plus, insurance adjusters have become extremely skeptical about claims that list dozens of valuable unscheduled items. Your insurance agent probably doesn't want to include them in your policy for such a small increase in premium. It does not make good business sense for them.

And that’s why having an appraisal makes sense. We provide you with formal written documentation, verifying an item's worth. If the skeptical insurance claim adjuster doesn’t want to give you the true value for an item, we'll argue it for you. We back our values with hard facts from blue books, auction records, dealer catalogs and of course, our expertise. None of our clients has ever received a dollar less than our appraised value. We are sure to give you a great value as your Atlanta Antique & Personal Property Appraiser.

Isn’t this the protection you want? Isn’t this the protection you deserve? We provide antique appraisals, fine art appraisals, and personal property appraisals in the Gainesville, North Georgia, & Atlanta areas, that protect your personal treasures and heirlooms.

Types of Insurance Policies:

1. Fine Arts Rider (Collectible Floater) – attached to your homeowner‚s policy, but no provision for appreciation in value, generally depreciates items.
2. Separate Fine Arts Policy – for items up to $500,000 in value and large collections. Necessary if still actively collecting.

Cost of Art/Antique Insurance

1. Fine Arts Rider - usually $50.00 per year for $10,000 coverage.
2. Separate Fine Arts Policy - usually $20.00 per year for $10,000 coverage.

How to Lower Your Premium

1. High Deductible
2. Security System in Home (alarms, dead bolts, sprinkler system, etc.)

What You Should Ask Your Insurance Agent

1. What will they do for partial loss?
2. Will they pay the cost to restore?
3. Will they pay for breakage? (Usually not fully covered in fine arts rider)
4. Who has right to salvage? (Who owns item after it is restored?)
5. What about replacement insurance?

Myths About Art/Antique Insurance

1. Myth - You will get the value listed on your policy.
   Truth - only if appraised and scheduled properly.
2. Myth - They will take your word for it.
   Truth - burden of proof is on you. You need an appraisal to certify your claim.
3. Myth - Anything under $500.00 is automatically covered.
   Truth - only if you can prove you owned it.
4. Myth - I can use my Insurance Company Arbitrary cost of living value update.
   Truth - some items go up in value more than this.
5. Myth - All you need are photographs.
   Truth - You cannot authenticate from a photo.
6. Myth - A dealer's receipt will do to prove value.
   Truth - No. You need a formal description by an independent expert. Dealer's receipts are often questioned and usually outdated.

Proper Formal Appraisal - The Required Protection You Need!

1. Accurate descriptions, size, etc., to ease police recovery.
2. Accurate value (don't pay premium on unrealistic amount).
3. Independent expert to certify you had it in case of loss.
4. Poof that you are getting what you paid for from dealers.
5. Identification of items you may not know are valuable.
6. Required in case of a loss (often impossible to determine value after an item is stolen or destroyed).
7. Professional inspection of the condition of your items to determine proper maintenance and hidden deterioration.

ESTATE APPRAISAL SERVICES:





Estate and Executors

We provide appraisals for estates and executors. We do estate tax liability appraisals for individuals in the North Georgia, Atlanta area, as well as for the finest Atlanta area law firms and accounting firms. We provide you with a formal written document ready to be submitted with form 706 for the IRS. Quite often we are hired by firms from other states to help determine values for their clients' estate in Georgia for estate tax liability as well.

Did you know that as an estate executor you could be liable? The courts expect you to perform "due diligence" in the dispersal of the art, antiques collectibles and household contents. You can be held in contempt of court if you just arbitrarily give things away based on who wants what and who deserves certain items. If you sell items without an appraisal, heirs can hold you personally financially responsible for not getting the full value. Years later, if someone tells them a painting or antique was mishandled, you could be forced to prove you exercised due diligence and had an independent expert research it.

Protect yourself now by doing it correctly from the start. Obtain a "master" appraisal. We are your "protective guardian" during this difficult time. We shield you from emotional confrontations during the dispersal of items. We explain to heirs what an item is really worth regardless of what grandma thought, or grandpa paid.

The job of an estate executor is difficult and full of risks. Let us take this burden off your shoulders. Let us be your advisor to verify that your decisions are correct and fair. Losing a friend or family member is hard enough.ART APPRAISAL SERVICES:





Antique Oil Painting by Johann Baptist Zwecker (1814 - 1876) European, Shipyard from http://stores.ebay.com/Aardvark-Antiques-Fine-Furniture




 We provide you with a formal written appraisal for court or tax purposes. We can assist in the division of property and evaluate sentimental attachments objectively. Just because two paintings have the same value today, it doesn't mean that one is appreciating in value while the other is depreciating. We can make it easier for you to choose between items.

We use the appraisal valuation method that's best for you. We have over a decade of experience and we will work with you and your financial and tax advisors. We offer complete art and antique appraisal services.ANTIQUE APPRAISAL SERVICES:



 Antique RCA Victor Electrola Wurlitzer Radiola Record Player in Walnut Cabinet from www.aardvark-antiques.com 




The antique field is extremely large. It runs from Pre-Columbian art, to Louis XIV furniture, autographs, rare Limoge porcelain china to your grandmother's silver tea set. No one person can possibly know all these fields. This is why it is important for you to hire a full-service professional appraisal firm like Aardvark Antiques. We visit your home or office, carefully inventory your items, as well as research every item that is not readily identifiable.

Many antique appraisers own shops and use antique appraisals as a method to get into your home and buy cheaply from you. Never trust an antique appraiser with two agendas. Always hire an independent appraiser who represents you, not their antique shop or auction firm when you buy antiques or sell antiques. We do not buy what we appraise.APPRAISALS FOR MUSEUM CHARITABLE TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS: 





Exceptional Biedermeier Walnut Recamier. Origin, Vienna Austria. Ca. 1830 available at www.aardark-antiques.com





The tax advantages of museum and charitable donations can be considerable and without risk, if IRS rules and formats are strictly followed. Any appraiser can put values on a piece of paper, but are you willing to accept the consequences if they are wrong? We produce legal appraisals that are accepted by the IRS. We are also able to work with your tax advisor to determine if a donation is financially practical. We are here to help preserve and maximize your assets.

Along with our certified appraisals, we can recommend to you IRS-approved recipients for your art. We have extensive museum contacts. Atlanta and North Georgia individuals, companies, and charitable organizations have used us for over a decade! In case of an audit, we can assist in your defense and provide first class, professional court testimony. We are a complete appraisal service.

ASSET & DIVORCE APPRAISAL SERVICES:

We provide you with a court-certified professional inventory and appraisal of your tangible assets. These can be used for court purposes or to ease the division of property. We can advise which items are best retained and which to give up. Just because two pieces of antique furniture have the same value today, it doesn't mean it will be the same five years from now. We do divorce and asset appraisals for the Atlanta and North Georgia area.

During this difficult time, decisions can be hard to make. Sentimental attachments and tremendous stress cloud good judgment. We can listen; we can help. We can also come to court with you, be at your side during negotiations, and even tell you how to make our fee and your attorney's tax deductible. We offer unbiased solutions with complete confidence.Why Choose Us?

Serving the Atlanta, Gainesville, and North Georgia area, Aardvark Antiques and Estate Liquidations offers professional appraisals of antiques and/or personal property by an accredited appraiser for insurance, estate liquidation, or antique value purposes. Why not hire us to provide complete, accurate, and reliable information at a reasonable hourly market rate?

All of our antique appraisals are conducted by Charles Pharr Jr. (Mr. Aardvark) of Gainesville, Ga. , an accredited member of the International Society of Appraisers, with the help of a meticulous group of antique appraisers.

Aardvark Antiques and Estate Liquidations does not currently offer online antique appraisal services. For on site antique appraisals, contact us at charles@aardvark-antiques.com or call us at 770-534-6611 to arrange an antique appraisal.

Also, if you are an antique store that does not currently do professional appraisals for antiques, we offer an affiliate program, which pays a referral bonus on each person referred who uses our services. Click here for more information on our antique appraisal affiliate program. 

Factors Affecting An Appraisal's Value

Antique values are affected by various factors. The most important are:

Rarity: The rarity of an item usually affects its value. Rarity may be determined by how many of a particular item was produced or how many of the items are readily available in today's market. Some items which were, in the past, easy to locate, may become valuable if the demand for these items increases. Desirability:As with rarity, desirability can add value to an item. The supply/demand factor happens when collectors drive up the price of merchandise due to its popularity. Condition:This is perhaps the single-most important factor in determining the value of an item. No matter how rare or commonplace the item, its condition can dramatically affect its potential value. Most antiques and collectibles, by virtue of their age, have flaws, cracks, chips, wear, discoloration, and other damage. Of course, the closer the item is to its original condition, the better. Mint or near-mint condition items fetch higher prices than damaged ones. Also important is that all parts are present. For instance, a collectible toy is much more valuable with its original packaging. And there should be no missing parts � bottles should have their original stoppers; teapots should have their tops; jewelry should not be missing stones. Repairs, if they have been made, should be so well done as to be barely noticeable. Manufacturer's or Designer’s Markings: Items that bear a maker's mark are often more valuable than identical or similar pieces that bear no mark. It adds value to a hand-painted or handcrafted piece if it bears its crafter's mark or signature. Regional Differences:The value of an item in one part of the US can vary dramatically from its value in another part of the country if the item is in high demand in one area and not in another, or in plentiful supply one place and scarce in another. Genuineness:Whether an item is the real McCoy or a fake makes a huge difference in its value. Authentication is important and will often require the services of an expert if the fake is a good one. Salvage Value:Even a very badly damaged antique may have some value as repair experts often use antiques to repair other pieces. Also, some pieces are used by artists and crafters to make other items. Before throwing away a badly damaged piece, check to make sure it doesn't have salvage value. Current Market Fluctuations:The value of particular category of antiques can increase or decrease depending upon their popularity at any given time. Current demand will affect the value of an antique.

Testimonials


"The executors were very pleased, and our tax attorney very complimentary of the appraisal.”

- David W. Drake, Attorney At Law

“I am very pleased to recommend Aardvark Antiques and Estate Liquidations to anyone seeking outstanding professional estate liquidation and appraisal services.”

- Julius M. Hulsey, Attorney At Law



Atlanta Appraisals


Why Get An Appraisal?

Appraisals Atlanta
Why get an antique furniture appraisal? Other than simply being curious about the value of that antique queen size poster bed in your home, an antique appraisal provides a written estimate of the value of an item.
Antiquing has quickly become one of America’s favorite pastimes. With hopes of finding that one big jackpot, many American’s scour antique stores looking for a treasure. Maybe you’ve found something and you’re not quite sure what you have. Or maybe you’ve discovered something in an attic that Great Grandma had tucked away. Whatever your case, you need to have someone with the knowledge and honesty to give you an appraisal for your item. That’s why for a dependable 
Atlanta appraisal, more people choose Aardvark Antiques and Estate Liquidations. Our experience and knowledge of the broad antique field, along with our honesty keeps people coming back for their appraisals in Atlanta.
There are many wonderful places in Atlanta to find hidden treasures. The best being estate sales and garage sales, simply for the fact that these items have been laying around untouched for many years in attics and basements. Finding a great piece in a garage sale could very well be an antique collectors dream, as usually the items priced for sale were done so by someone who has no idea of their value.
Before you start searching for that special something, know that it may take many, many trips to various garage sales before finding something you like or something that may be of value. You truly have to enjoy rummaging through bins and baskets or else you may quickly lose interest before needing an Atlanta appraisal for your very first find.
That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind while garage sale shopping. First find a great location. Look for sales in older neighborhoods. Ones where most people are retired or maybe moving are usually the best. You’ll likely find lots of vintage kitchen things and decor of the fifties, as well as collectibles you may need an appraisal for.
Upper class neighborhoods are great for buying newer things at a good price. You’ll likely find expensive clothes and accessories, furniture, and kitchenware at slashed priced. Not necessarily a collector’s fantasy, but still a fabulous bargain for most shoppers.
There are also lots of great buys to be found in church rummages and neighborhood sales. Because everyone wants to contribute something, people will sometimes just grab something they’ve had hanging around their attics, basements, or closets just to contribute. You never know what you may come across!
Finally after combing through sales, you think you’ve found something! Knowing the difference between the real thing and a reproduction gets harder and harder these days as antiquing techniques continue to develop. Unfortunately there are a lot of reproductions unknowingly being bought on the internet. These items then get placed out in garage sales. This can be very tricky. The best tip is to keep a reference book in your car. Ask the seller to hold the item while you "go get your wallet". Slip in your car and look up the item. If that’s not an option, call a friend who has access to the internet. Have them look up your item on Ebay or other antique resource sites to find the value or compare an original. The more you shop, the more you’ll learn! Getting an appraisal in Atlanta by one of our experts is often the only way to know what you really have.
And lastly, remember everything is negotiable. Garage sale items are sold for pennies of the original price. Asking them "can you do better on the price" is a good way to ask without insulting them. For newer things such as baby strollers, high chairs, and changing tables, they can still see that $150 price tag as you pay $5 for it. Asking them to go any lower can sometimes smart, but it’s the nature of the game.
Think you’ve got something that may be of value? For antique appraisals in Atlanta, Aardvark Antiques and Estate Liquidations is requested more often than other appraisers in Atlanta. We’re known for our outstanding reputation of uncompromising honesty, integrity, professionalism, and service.
All of our antique appraisals are conducted by Charles Pharr Jr. (Mr. Aardvark) of Gainesville, Ga. with the help of a meticulous group of antique appraisers. Because the antique field is extremely broad, our appraisers all specialize in their own area of antiques. Their combined knowledge gives us a superior advantage when it comes to appraisals in Atlanta. We stand behind our appraisals because we’re honest. If in the rare case we’ve researched an item and are unable to give you an appraisal, we’ll tell you. You’ll never be misled.
We believe there is always something to be learned in the ever growing field of antiques. By continuing our education through the attendance of seminars and training sessions, Aardvark Antiques and Estate Liquidations has the knowledge and skills to appraise just about anything. Our knowledge of antiques extends to antique furniture, books, fine art, collectibles, china, sterling silver, modern furniture, musical instruments, household items, tools, scientific instruments, glassware, ceramics, automobiles, and much more.
Aardvark Antiques and Estate Liquidations offers professional appraisals of antiques and/or personal property by an accredited appraiser for insurance, estate liquidation, or antique value purposes. Why not hire us to provide complete, accurate, and reliable information at a reasonable hourly market rate?
Our services include appraisals for Atlanta and surrounding areas, as well as Alpharetta, Buford, Cumming, Decatur, Duluth, Norcross, and Sandy Springs. Please contact us for more information.


Deductions Over $500 But Not Over $5,000

If you claim a deduction over $500 but not over $5,000 for a noncash charitable contribution, you must have the acknowledgment and written records described under Deductions of At Least $250 But Not More Than $500. Your records must also include:
• How you got the property, for example, by purchase, gift, bequest, inheritance, or exchange,
• The approximate date you got the property or, if created, produced, or manufactured by or for you, the approximate date the property was substantially completed, and
• The cost or other basis, and any adjustments to the basis, of property held less than 12 months and, if available, the cost or other basis of property held 12 months or more. This requirement, however, does not apply to publicly traded securities.
If you are not able to provide information on either the date you got the property or the cost basis of the property and you have a reasonable cause for not being able to provide this information, attach a statement of explanation to your return.


Deductions Over $5,000

If you claim a deduction of over $5,000 for a charitable contribution of one property item or a group of similar property items, you must have the acknowledgment and the written records described under Deductions Over $500 But Not Over $5,000. In figuring whether your deduction is over $5,000, combine your claimed deductions for all similar items donated to any charitable organization during the year.
Generally, you must also obtain a qualified written appraisal of the donated property from a qualified appraiser. See Deductions of More Than $5,000 in Publication 561 for more information.
Charles Pharr Jr. AAI/ISA
Aardvark Antiques.com
Isa-Appraisers.org

How to Decorate with Art

Yeah! You’ve decided to decorate with art! The idea of decorating with art is so basic that we’ve been doing it since cave-man days. Yet art is one thing that so many people neglect to add to their interior spaces. Why is that? I believe that many do not hang art because they believe they can’t afford it or they just don’t know what to buy. I’m here to show you that buying and choosing art is simple, fun and rewarding! How To Choose The Right Art For Your Home.

                   

Buy only what you love! Let’s face it. Art is personal. The clothes you wear, the way you style your hair and the things you keep around, all say something about you. They’re all a reflection of your personality. Don’t feel like you have to go with the crowd when it comes to choosing art. If you just don’t ‘get it’ when it comes to Abstracts, it’s quite alright. If you’re a Country girl at heart, let it shine! Art is a beautiful way to let your personality come through in your interior design. It’s your home, not a waiting room. Choose something dear to your heart. You’ll love it forever.

Aardvark’s Art Alley in Oakwood, Georgia is only a short drive from Gainesville and Atlanta. Our art gallery offers a cultivated selection of original art and fine art reproductions created by local, regional and international artists.
We take a friendly approach to help you find that unique and affordable painting, drawing, print, photograph, pottery or sculpture that will shape lasting impressions in your home and workplace.

The art gallery, located inside the Aardvark Antiques & Estate Liquidations store in Oakwood, Georgia, is open Monday- Saturday. 11 am. – 5:30 p.m. Aardvark’s Art Alley encourages art in Northeast Georgia and Atlanta by providing exhibition space for local artists. We feel that no gallery can give better art at more affordable prices. We buy entire estates and pass the savings on to you.

Future consignment opportunities for fine art are also available. We consign fine art from around the world. We market your art extensively through our online gallery, multiple subscriptions to other online advertising venues, and contacts with fine auction houses. Call 770-534-6611 for more information. Come and visit us soon! www.aardvark-antiques.com

What size and how many pieces should I hang?
First, look at the size of the wall. Is it short, long or very tall? For long wall, consider hanging six or seven 16 by 20s in a row with minimal spacing, like three inches, between them. For shorter walls, consider a montage effect with a couple large and smaller-sized pieces stacked in an irregular fashion. For tall walls, consider a few large pieces - somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 inches by 40 inches. Decorators can add dimension to their walls by adding shelving to house art. Hang art from the wall, prop it on a shelf - get creative!