Master Pieces
The art of the Texas quilt.
(Page 6 of 7)
Remnants Appraisal
Quilts can seem at once familiar and inscrutable—familiar, because they remind us of childhood, home, and family; mysterious, because so many come to us without any clues as to who made them, when, and under what circumstances. The details of a quilt’s origin and existence, or “provenance,” are important in helping establish its monetary value. If you want to piece together the history of the quilts in your home, or to learn what they are worth in dollar terms, there are experts who can help you. These are trained, professional appraisers who know how to judge quilts in the context of the world of art and antiques. But because these appraisers are not required to be certified by any government agency, it can be hard to decide whose services to use. Here Shelly Zegert, a nationally recognized appraiser based in Louisville, Kentucky explains what determines a quilt’s value and how to size up a qualified appraiser.
RANCH: What are the main factors that determine the value of a quilt?
Shelly Zegert: If I had to say just one factor, it would be condition. Also, it has to be a great quilt aesthetically. Those two factors, along with authenticity and age, are the first set of major factors. You’d also take into account the quilt’s provenance, the technical execution and design, and what’s going on in the marketplace: what’s selling now, and the current economic conditions.
RANCH: Aren’t the quality of workmanship and the age of the quilt really important?
SZ: Stitching is not key. It’s not a defining factor in an appraisal unless the quilt is of excellent quality. The most expensive quilts ever sold were not that extensively quilted. They were original statements of the maker. Age matters, but usually historical factors don’t lead the parade. Appraisers must provide a rationale for their evaluation. They have to fit that into the grand scheme of the world of art.
RANCH: How do you find a qualified appraiser in your own area?
SZ: It’s like finding any other professional. Get recommendations from friends and from people who use the services of appraisers regularly, people such as lawyers, accountants, trust officers, and museum officials. Try to find an appraiser who belongs to a non-profit, professional association that abides by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, or USPAP. These groups include the American Society of Appraisers, the Appraisers Association of America, and the International Society of Appraisers.
RANCH: What information should the appraisal report include?
SZ: It depends on what kind of appraisal you want. Do you need it for determining resale value, an IRS write-off, or value for insurance purposes? Generally though, expect a full and detailed description of the quilt, including the name of the pattern, colors, size, fiber content, condition, and so forth. It should also date the quilt and tell where it was made and, if possible, by whom. And it should give provenance: Has it won prizes? Has it been published? Is it linked to any historical figures?
RANCH: How much does an appraisal cost?
SZ: Expect to pay between $25 and $50 for a full written appraisal that isn’t for a tax deduction. If it’s for a tax deduction, it could cost more because there is a lot more research involved, looking up auction records and such, to accurately document the value that the donor is claiming.
Caring for quilts.
Caring for quilts is fairly simple. Here are some tips from the Austin Area Quilt Guild (from First Aid for Family Quilts by Nancy O’Bryant) for preserving your quilt inheritance.
Quilts need fresh air. Air your quilts outdoors—out of direct sunlight—each fall and spring.
When you refold a quilt for storage, avoid creasing it in the same places each time. This will help prevent dark fold lines.
Store quilts in a cool, dry place. Put them inside sheets or pillowcases so they can “breathe.” Never store them in plastic.
Prevent contact with acids in wood by placing a second sheet or pillowcase between the quilt and wooden shelves or chests.
Before you wash a quilt, test the fabrics and threads to make sure colors won’t run. Don’t put it in a dryer, where it might shrink. Lay it flat on a clean mattress pad or outdoors on top of towels laid on the grass in a shady spot.
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