I don't think it's a good idea to give any kind of appraisal or price estimate at all. We're not allowed to do it at our museum, as there may be a conflict of interest if the person wants to sell or donate the object later. We usually refer them to a local auction house or suggest they check eBay for similar items. You might want to check with your museum's lawyer and see what he says. Suzanne Fischer Curator of Material Culture Louisiana State Museum P.O. Box 2448 New Orleans, LA 70176 [log in to unmask] < mailto:[log in to unmask]> 504-568-5459 office 504-599-1950 fax -----Original Message----- From: Jessica Harris [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Tuesday, January 11, 2005 4:40 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Appraisals via Price Guides Hello Listers, What is your view on giving appraisals according to price guides to inquirers? Do you recommend the person check the book out themselves or is it legal to tell the price of the object in reference with the caveat that this is coming from a specific book and not from me/collections person... What do you think? Jessica Harris Exhibitions & Collections Coordinator Dr Pepper Museum 300 S. 5th Street Waco, TX 76701 254-757-1025 www.drpeppermuseum.com <http://www.drpeppermuseum.com/> Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Choose your words, for they become actions. Understand your actions, for they become habits. Study your habits, for they will become your character. Develop your character, for it becomes your destiny. ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).