Antique dealer's advice
Guides to value, sell and clear with peace of mind
Estates, hallmarks, clocks, house clearance: the answers we give most often, written simply.
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6 min read
Sharing out family furniture: avoiding deadlock between heirs
Dividing furniture between heirs in France: how to make balanced lots, settle disputed pieces, share keepsakes and deal with what nobody wants.
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6 min read
Estate inventory in France: when is it required, and when is it useful?
Estate inventory in France by a notaire or commissaire de justice: when French law requires it, when it lowers inheritance tax, and the antique dealer's role.
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6 min read
The eagle head hallmark: how to identify French 18 carat gold (750)
The French eagle head hallmark on 18 carat gold: where to look on a ring or chain, how to read it with a loupe, and what to do if your jewel has no mark.
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6 min read
Antique gold and diamond ring: how to recognise an old cut
Antique diamond ring value: how to recognise an old cut, read the hallmarks on gold and platinum, and understand what really makes a ring worth something.
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6 min read
Valuing a Louis XV commode: curved sauteuse, marquetry and marble
Louis XV commode value: how to have a curved sauteuse commode appraised, from its marquetry and gilt bronzes to its marble top and the cabinetmaker's stamp.
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6 min read
Silver plate or solid silver: recognising square French hallmarks
Silver plate vs solid silver: how to read French square hallmarks, numbers such as 84 or 100, and judge the value of your old silverware and cutlery.
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6 min read
Saint-Ouen flea market: how to browse the great market well
Saint-Ouen flea market guide: opening hours, getting there, the Vernaison and Paul Bert markets, browsing tips and how to get antiques valued in Paris.
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6 min read
The Minerva hallmark: how to recognise solid French silver
The French Minerva hallmark on solid silver: where to find it, how to read the 1 or 2, the maker's lozenge, and how to tell it apart from silver plate.
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6 min read
Bronze or spelter: how to tell the difference on a work of art
Bronze vs spelter: how to tell them apart by weight, the colour of the metal under the patina, chasing and sound. An antique dealer's tips so you are never fooled.
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6 min read
Antique French clock: how to judge its value
Antique French clock value: period and style, gilt bronze, marble, movement, signature, enamel dial and condition. The real criteria, explained simply.
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6 min read
Clearing an apartment in Paris: how to get organised
Apartment clearance in Paris: the steps, sorting, what changes the quote, parking the van, building rules, the buy-back deducted and donations.
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6 min read
Inheriting a home in France: what to do with the furniture and belongings?
What to do with furniture and belongings after a death in France: photos, papers, inventory, valuation, sharing, selling, giving and clearing, step by step.
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5 min read
Puces de Vanves: our guide to browsing (and getting an item valued)
Vanves flea market guide: address, opening hours, getting there by metro and tram, tips for browsing and haggling, and where to get an item valued at weekends.
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5 min read
Selling antique jewellery: how the price is worked out
Selling antique jewellery in France: gold weight, eagle head hallmark, period, signature, stones and condition. How the price is set and what to check first.
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5 min read
Silverware: how to recognise solid silver from its hallmarks
How to recognise French silver hallmarks: Minerva 1 or 2, the lozenge maker's mark, the square mark of silver plate, small items. Simple pointers to check.
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6 min read
The 5 % furniture allowance: when an inventory lowers French inheritance tax
French inheritance 5 % furniture allowance: what article 764 of the French tax code says, and when an inventory or public sale can lower the tax to pay.
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5 min read
What are your old postcards worth?
Value of old French postcards: period, street scenes with people, trades, events, condition and whole collections. What counts, and how to store them.
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