Auctioneer: Your Free Valuation within 24 Hours | Auctie's

Free Appraisal by an Auctioneer

Have you just inherited a painting, discovered an antique in your attic, or would you like to know the true value of your jewelry before moving or dividing up an estate?

Our state-certified auctioneers will provide you with a free appraisal within 24 hours—no obligation and in complete confidence.

Auctie’s, an auction house since 1977 and a member of the Rossini Group, is accredited and listed in the official directory of the Council of Auction Houses. Submit your photos via the form: a qualified expert will respond to you personally.

A free appraisal by an auctioneer: a right, not a paid service

A free appraisal is not a promotional offer: it is the standard business model for auctioneers. Their compensation is based on the auction fees deducted from the hammer price if, and only if, the item is sold at auction.

The preliminary appraisal, which allows the owner to make an informed decision, is therefore the responsibility of the auction house, not the seller. This model ensures that your interests are fully aligned with those of the auction house.

As of July 1, 2026, the title of auctioneer has been officially reinstated under French regulations: only auctioneers are authorized to conduct voluntary public auctions.

This authorization, overseen by the Council of Auction Houses (conseilmaisonsdevente.fr/fr/July-1-2026-auctioneers-officially-regain-their-title), distinguishes the auctioneer from any other professional or platform offering appraisals.

Why should you hire an auctioneer to appraise an item?

Automated valuation tools available online rely on algorithms that compare photographs to databases of sold lots. They can provide a rough estimate, but consistently fail to account for the criteria that truly determine an item’s value.

An auctioneer, on the other hand, evaluates the key criteria for each category of object: the rarity of the model or artist on the current market; the actual condition of the item, as distinct from mere visual appearance; the period and authenticity of the style; the exact materials, which are sometimes impossible to identify from a photograph; the presence or absence of a signature, hallmark, workshop mark, or stamp; documented provenance, which can significantly increase a piece’s value; and finally, the most recent comparable auction results, drawn from databases that only market professionals consult on a daily basis.

How to Get a Free Appraisal of an Item in 4 Steps

1) Step 1: Take photos of your item: snap pictures from several angles, in natural light if possible. For a painting, photograph the entire front and back of the frame. For a piece of furniture, take photos from the front, side, of the legs, and of the interior. For a piece of jewelry, take one photo of the entire piece and another of the hallmark. The quality of the photos directly affects the accuracy of the appraisal.

2) Step 2: Gather the available information: note down everything you know about the provenance (purchase, inheritance, estate, private sale), the estimated age, and keep any original documents (invoice, certificate, instructions, case).

3) Step 3: Submit your request via Auctie’s online form: attach your photos, provide details on the item’s provenance, and, if known, the nature of the object. Your request will be processed within 24 hours.

4) Step 4: Receive your estimate within 24 hours: an auctioneer or qualified expert will respond to you personally with an indicative value range and, if necessary, recommendations for additional checks to refine the appraisal.

How do I know if my item is valuable?

There are certain signs that an owner can look for to gauge an item’s potential value even before requesting an appraisal. The presence of an artist’s signature, a monogram, or a studio mark is the first clue.

On jewelry and silverware, the presence of hallmarks—such as a maker’s mark, fineness mark, and hallmark of guarantee—indicates that the item is made of certified precious metal, whose value exceeds that of the material alone.

On furniture, the presence of a cabinetmaker’s stamp—usually stamped beneath the tabletop or inside a drawer—can significantly increase the value of an antique piece compared to a reproduction.

Documented provenance—such as an old purchase receipt, a mention in an estate inventory or auction catalog, or a period photograph showing the object in context—is another major factor in determining value. But these indicators are merely clues: only a comparison with actual auction results, conducted by a market professional, can provide a reliable estimate.

What kinds of items can I have appraised?

Auctie's appraises all categories of items that can be offered for auction.

What Not to Confuse with a Free Appraisal

A free online or in-home appraisal is the auctioneer’s initial service. It should be clearly distinguished from two other services, which address different needs and are subject to a fee.

Appraisal for estate settlement, estate division, or insurance purposes

Auctie’s free appraisal is a natural first step in compiling an estate inventory.

In the context of an amicable estate settlement, it allows heirs to determine the approximate value of personal property before collectively deciding whether to sell, keep, or divide it. For insurance purposes, it provides a useful reference value that the insurer may require to be supplemented by a certified written appraisal.

From a tax perspective, the valuation of personal property in estates follows a hierarchy defined in Article 764 of the General Tax Code: public auction is the standard method, followed by an inventory drawn up by a public official.

Failing that, an estimated declaration is accepted by the tax authorities, but a minimum flat-rate deduction of 5% is applied to household furnishings. These provisions are detailed in the BOFiP (bofip.impots.gouv.fr/bofip/1389-PGP.html), which we recommend you consult or submit to your notary.

Where can I get a free appraisal for an item?

There are three ways to get a free appraisal from a licensed auctioneer. The first is through the online form of a registered auction house: this is the fastest option, available 24 hours a day, with a response within 24 hours.

The second is an appraisal day, an event during which an auctioneer meets with individuals in person to physically examine their items. The third is an appointment at the auctioneer’s office, by invitation, for particularly complex or bulky items.

Verify that an auctioneer is licensed

Before entrusting an item to an auction house, it is recommended that you verify its accreditation in the official directory of the Council of Auction Houses (conseilmaisonsdevente.fr/fr/rechercher-dans-lannuaire).

This directory lists all auction houses and auctioneers authorized to operate in France. Auctie’s, a member of the Rossini Group, is listed there under the license number corresponding to its activity of voluntary public auctions.

Our Areas of Expertise

Auctie’s has a team of auctioneers and specialized experts covering all major categories of the art market. Each appraisal request is directed to the specialist best qualified for the relevant category of items, ensuring a well-reasoned response based on in-depth knowledge of the current market.

The auction house covers more than twelve specialties, ranging from old master paintings to collectible wines, 20th-century design, fine jewelry, and Asian art.

Our Auctioneers

“The difference between an automated valuation and a well-reasoned appraisal is the ability to understand why an item sells beyond its mere appearance. An algorithm compares images; an auctioneer reads the market.” — Auctie’s auctioneer.

Customer Reviews — “Received a response the day after my request—clear and detailed.” — “An honest estimate, without trying to inflate the value to convince us to sell.” ” — “I was afraid it would be an aggressive sales pitch; it was the opposite—very respectful.” — “The price range provided matched exactly the price achieved at auction.”

Get a free, no-obligation appraisal of your item

Regardless of the nature of your item and the reason you’re wondering about its value, Auctie’s free appraisal gives you access to the expertise of a licensed auctioneer, at no cost and with no obligation.

There are no conditions to take advantage of this service: no minimum value, no obligation to sell, and no sales pressure at the end of the process. You’re free to take your time and decide for yourself what to do next.