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Antiques

5/27/20

I sent them a common pre-columbian bowl to evaluate and then also sent the bowl to a well known Doctor of art history to evaluate it also. The art history doctor correctly identified the item as a 500~800 year old pre-columbian bowl. This company however, dated it as a 20th century reproduction. I tried to show them the error they made by providing them the report from the other appraiser and they refused to give me a refund and had enough nerve to say the other appraiser, an art history doctor, professor, who's appeared on the history channel multiple times and does year round evaluations around the country, was wrong!

This company is a total joke and I'd avoid them. There's better services for the same price.

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VMS C. – ValueMyStuff Rep Over a year old

Dear Anthony,

Thank you for your review which we were expecting from your messages. We have already responded to your concerns several times during protracted private correspondence, however, I will reiterate our points below for clarity.

I am sorry you are disappointed with our appraisal, upon receiving one of higher value, however that does not mean ours is incorrect. The appraisal of any work of art is always a matter of opinion and these can vary significantly between specialists. Dr. Lori’s report, which you kindly provided us with, states the following: "The online appraisal represents the opinion of the appraiser, Dr. Lori ( www.DrLoriV.com). The online appraisal is not an in-person authentication nor is it a guarantee of sale." The report also states that the value is pending upon authentication. Therefore, I am afraid this cannot be used as any proof of authenticity.

I am able to offer my assurance that our specialist has many years of experience in the field as a Director of Pre-Columbian Art at Sotheby’s, upon which she has based her appraisal, along with the images and information provided. At no point have we suggested Dr. Lori was incorrect, nor have we have expressed any doubt in their expertise. We very much hope your item is authentic and worth more than we have stated, as we always prefer to bring our clients better news. However, we cannot significantly alter the values we have given without any further evidence, this would be deeply unprofessional and goes against the integrity of our service.

We can fully appreciate your disappointment, however, we are not able to offer refunds simply on the basis of another online appraisal; this is an all too prevalent occurrence in the world of art and auctioneering. A sales price realized, or even the results of a first-hand inspection which definitively stated that the piece was authentic, would be the criteria under which we would offer a refund.

We are sorry you were disappointed on this occasion but we wish you all the best.

Regards,
VMS