I could not find anything on this specific topic in
the archives. We have been given a number of items: photographs, books,
ledgers, letters, tax receipts, checks, bank books by the descendents of our
buggy maker. While we can easily put a value on the books, I have
never attempted to value correspondence. We have used outside
appraisers for some of our collection - vehicles, stoves, etc, but that was for
insurance purposes and this is more for tax purposes. While we do not
normally do this for donors, we felt since this was the descendents and it
is actually a gift from the grandson's estate, we could/should do this or at
least attempt to do this. Although it may turn out to be a pointless
exercise if their attorney says it doesn't matter. Can anyone offer
advice? Where do you go to appraise letters, ledgers and bank
records? I'm pretty sure that IRS forms do not allow you to value you
something as "priceless". Thank you in advance for any assistance,