Advice on getting collection appraised

[M_Grisham]

Hello,
I inherited a collection of M.I. Hummel figurines. The collection is quite large, Would you suggest that I get the collection appraised and how would I go about getting that done?
Thank you,
Mary Grisham

[SamtheCollector]

Welcome to the forum Mary:

The M.I. Hummel Club can offer suggested retail prices for currently produced pieces only. Goebel does not appraise its products, so M.I.Hummel cannot answer any appraisal questions. Secondary market values are determined by several criteria including age, condition, supply and demand.

WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE YOUR FIGURINES APPRAISED?
To have your collection insured.
To donate a collection to charity or tax-exempt institution such as a school or museum.
To divide your collection fairly among family members or friends.
TIPS ON APPRAISING:
Be sure your appraisal is current. M.I. Hummel figurines have undergone several price increases throughout the years. Such increases affect secondary market prices.
Specify whether you want your collection appraised for replacement value or fair market value. Replacement value represents your cost to replace a lost or stolen piece with a new piece of the same motif.
Appraisals require a fee, even when performed by a dealer.
Don't ask a dealer to appraise your collection if you plan to sell it to him or her.
When you are selling your collection to an auction house, or donating it to a charity or museum, remember that their experts usually can appraise your collection for you, or refer you to someone else.
REFERENCE SOURCES ON APPRAISING GOEBEL/M.I.HUMMEL PRODUCTS

The No. 1 Price Guide To M.I.Hummel, 10th Edition
by Robert L. Miller.
Provides a listing of secondary market prices through 2002 of M.I.Hummel products. Available at authorized M.I.Hummel dealers, The M.I. Hummel Club, or from Robert Miller, the author.

The Goebel Miniatures of Robert Olszewski
by Dick Hunt.
A reference and price guide including color photos. Avalable from Dick Hunt, 114 Scenic Drive, Flat Rock, NC
28731-9522. (800) 621-8112.

Your Local Library:
Since there is no information available on the value of non-M.I. Hummel Goebel products, you may want to refer to your local library's "Antiques" or "Porcelain" section.

HOW TO LOCATE A REPUTABLE APPRAISER:
Gather referrals from friends and appraising associations.
Write to appraising associations and request their membership directories. Listed below are two of the largest appraising associations in the United States:

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF APPRAISERS
P.O. Box 17265
Washington, DC 20041
(800) 272-8258

APPRAISERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
386 Park Ave South - 20th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 889-5404
Fax: (212) 889-5503
Web Site: appraisersassoc.org
Email: aaa1@rcn.com

ISA
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF APPRAISERS
1131 SW 7th St #105
Renton, WA 98055
Toll Free: (888) 472-4732
Fax: (206) 241-0436
Web Site: isa-appraisers.org
Email: isa@isa-appraisers.org

SPECIAL NOTE: The American Society of Appraisers estimates that only 25 percent of the 120,000 appraisers in the United States belongs to one of the major evaluation societies. Such societies establish codes of ethics by which their members are required to adhere. In addition to a code of ethics, the appraisers are tested for their expertise.


Refer to the Yellow Pages in the Telephone Book under "Appraisers" of "Antique Dealers."
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU LOCATE AN APPRAISER:
Review their credentials
Verify their membership to an appraising association
Request references
Determine appraisal fees
Request a written contract which outlines the following items:
The scope of work
The delivery date of the appraisal
The appraisal fee
The objective nature of appraisal findings
A statement that the appraiser cannot act as an advocate or negotiator in disputes over appraised goods