This is a good point, and one I forgot to address in my post. At our
Appraisal Days, the appraisers come exclusively from Butterfield and
Butterfield. Museum staff stays away from the appraisal tables and does
not pry into what people bring (we're usually way too busy herding the
crowds around anyway!). We do not speak to visitors about the appraised
auction value on their objects, and as far as I can remember, we haven't
had any donations or potential purchases come out of Appraisal Day. The
appraisers also explain to the visitors that they are giving auction
estimates, not insurance or replacement valuations. The appraisers are
also very discreet, and don't tell us anything about who had what
valuable piece, either.

Our Deed of Gift form does have a line about Museum staff not being able
to appraise donated objects, and I find myself explaining this policy
many times a year to members of the community who call or come in hoping
for advice, authentication or appraisals.

That's how we do it--I got the impression that it's done differently at
Mr. Needham's institution, so I hope he responds also.

Kathy Henri
Collections Manager
Ventura County Museum of History & Art
Ventura CA
http://www.vcmha.org

William P. Scott wrote:
>
> We were recently approached by a group who asked us to have an event
> similar to the antique roadshow.  We quickly declined, stating that our
> policy does not allow us to provide appraisals, nor authentications.  (We
> do provide identifications with no warranty).  So the recent thread on
> this list has raised some questions for me.
>
> While I am always glad to hear that a museum has had a successful program,
> I would like to know how Mr. Needham and Ms. Henri's museums have dealt
> with the potential conflict of interest and liability that may come from
> providing appraisals or authentications.  Please do not take this message
> as an attack.  I am truly just interested.
>
> The ICOM Code of Ethics states:
>
> ". . . written certificates of authenticity or valuation (appraisals)
> should not be given, and opinions on the monetary value of objects should
> only be given on official request from other museums or competent legal,
> governmental or other responsible public authorities."
>
> In my opinion, providing programs that further connect artifacts with
> monetary values works against museums' attempts to preserve artifacts and
> teach the public.  It may also encourage looting and illicit trade in
> cultural property.  Is luring individuals to the museum with the
> promise of appraisals worth the extra attendance that it provides?
> Is the cultural understanding, or aesthic experience that is
> gained during the visit not cancelled by the big price tag that has been
> placed on everything?
>
> (All opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the
> Mathers Museum or Indiana University.)
>
> Sincerely,
>
> William Scott
> __________________________________________
> William Philip Scott                     |
> Collections Manager and Office Assistant |
> Mathers Museum of World Cultures         |
> Indiana University                       |
> 601 East Eighth Street                   |
> Bloomington, IN 47405                    |
> Email: [log in to unmask]                |
>                                          |
> ------------------------------------------