Kathy Henri wrote:

> 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.
>
Good advice, Kathy! We are often asked for receipts for income tax purposes
when receiving donations. We have certain designated persons to perform the
valuations; above a minimum figure (I believe it's $CA500) they are required
to request an appraisal from an outside expert. Every valuation is
personally certified by the Director.

I sincerely hope that people have not thought that we toss out certificates
of authenticity or appraisals,  willy-nilly (hmmmm: bad choice of words to
use in certain national capitals these days, eh?).

I certainly agree with William and Kathy, folks; here there be dragons!

Harry

Harry Needham
Special Advisor - Programme Development
Canadian War Museum
330 Sussex Drive,
Ottawa, Canada
K1A 0M8
Voice: (819) 776-8612  Fax (819) 776-8623
Email: [log in to unmask]