Museums performing appraisals (as opposed to identification/authentication)
remind me of the arguments about gun control. Its not so much whether the
appraisal is good or bad, but what is done with it after it is issued. If a
museum appraisal is given in good faith, but is wrong, or is warped by the
possessor and misrepresented, then it has the same negative impact as a
firearm that is misused (but usually without the lethal outcome). I have
always limited impressions of value to "no, I don't believe it has
substantial monetary value" or "yes, it may have substantial monetary value
and here is how you can obtain a competent appraisal.
 
The bottom line is that museums were founded for educational reasons, while
Sotheby's and Christie's were founded for monetary purposes. My opinion is
that one should tread VERY warily into the commercial aspects, carry lots
of liability insurance, and make sure the museum has a policy written in
concrete terms, not the loose wording of the museum ethics quote.
Historical value is often diametrically opposite of monetary value.
 
Byron A. Johnson, Exec. Dir.
Tampa Bay History Center
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