When I was at the Canadian Museum of Civilization and Canadian War Museum
(both of which have extensive art collections), we did NOT appraise objects
of any kind for members of the public. We were (a) not in the appraisal
business and (b) if we had started doing this, we would have been swamped by
requests. We DID identify objects, but then referred the owners to an
appropriate expert outside the museum to appraise the value. With respect to
items being consdered for acquisition by one of our collections, staff
experts could place a value for tex purposes on an item of value less than
$CA1,000. Above that, objects were appraised by outside experts on a fee for
service basis. Very valuable objects required three independent valuations.

There is certainly nothing wrong with making yourself known to prospective
clients. Museum managers are ALWAYS interested in locating outside
professionals upon whom they can call when appropriate
.--
Harry Needham, Principal ([log in to unmask])
Harry Needham Consulting Services Inc.
Solutions for Heritage Institutions - and Others!
74 Abbeyhill Drive
Kanata ON K2L 1H1 Canada
(Voice) +1.613.831-1068
(Fax) +1.613.831-9412

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