Anyone into antiques? Need some advice/options

blackwaterstudio

I've got a shoot tomorrow for a local business owner. He has come into some old wood carvings that was done by a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. The guy has since passed away and the local business owner has had these carvings apprasied, they are worth about 1.5-2 million dollars according to the appraisal by the appraisee.

He had been offered close to that by the Eastern Band, but wants to sell them on a site like ebay. Anyone know a good site to list these carvings other then ebay? If not I'm going to help setup the account on ebay tomorrow. Just trying to do alittle research and maybe find a more one on one approach to selling these carvings.

Bob Bell

blackwaterstudio wrote:

I've got a shoot tomorrow for a local business owner. He has come into some old wood carvings that was done by a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. The guy has since passed away and the local business owner has had these carvings apprasied, they are worth about 1.5-2 million dollars according to the appraisal by the appraisee.

He had been offered close to that by the Eastern Band, but wants to sell them on a site like ebay. Anyone know a good site to list these carvings other then ebay? If not I'm going to help setup the account on ebay tomorrow. Just trying to do alittle research and maybe find a more one on one approach to selling these carvings.

If they are worth that much, why not use a fine art auction house like www.sothebys.com. The right auction might bring more that ebay and there is little risk in the transaction.

Stormdancing

Bob Bell wrote:

If they are worth that much, why not use a fine art auction house like www.sothebys.com. The right auction might bring more that ebay and there is little risk in the transaction.

I agree with Bob. Item of historical significance shouldn't be on ebay IMO. Sotheby's will handle the auction responsibly, but I would really like to see the items go back to the Cherokee people.

On a side note. When I hover over your studio name, I see Hopikinsville, KY. What is your connection there?

Edit: Hmm when I hover over any links on dgrin, I see Hopkinsville, KY.

blackwaterstudio

Yea I've found sothebys, and christies are both high end auction houses.

dragon300zx

blackwaterstudio wrote:

I've got a shoot tomorrow for a local business owner. He has come into some old wood carvings that was done by a member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. The guy has since passed away and the local business owner has had these carvings apprasied, they are worth about 1.5-2 million dollars according to the appraisal by the appraisee.

He had been offered close to that by the Eastern Band, but wants to sell them on a site like ebay. Anyone know a good site to list these carvings other then ebay? If not I'm going to help setup the account on ebay tomorrow. Just trying to do alittle research and maybe find a more one on one approach to selling these carvings.

These carvings really belong to the eastern band. If they are offering to pay that close to the appraised price then I don't see any reason not to sell them to theme other than pure greed. I mean after all this is their heritage and history. To me that would be the right thing to do IMHO at least.

blackwaterstudio

I can't make him do it either way, I'm just going to photograph the entire collection for him. So as long as I'm getting paid I'm happy

Angelo

God I hate greedy people.

you may not be able to convince him but I would stay clear of participating if I were you.

If these items are of significant historical value to the Cherokee they might file suit or seek an injunction to prevent a sale until rightful ownership is determined. (afterall, you said... "he has come into..." whatever THAT means)

If there is legal action and you've assisted in any way you could be enjoined in the suit as an accomplice.

blackwaterstudio

Angelo wrote:

God I hate greedy people.

you may not be able to convince him but I would stay clear of participating if I were you.

If these items are of significant historical value to the Cherokee they might file suit or seek an injunction to prevent a sale until rightful ownership is determined. (afterall, you said... "he has come into..." whatever THAT means)

If there is legal action and you've assisted in any way you could be enjoined in the suit as an accomplice.

The entire collection was bought, and I know what was paid for it. I also know what it is worth, however they don't have rightful ownership as the artist sold to whomever, whenever.

Angelo

blackwaterstudio wrote:

The entire collection was bought, and I know what was paid for it. I also know what it is worth, however they don't have rightful ownership as the artist sold to whomever, whenever.

Well if there's clear title to the pieces then no harm, no foul; he can do what he wishes.

I still think he should sell them back to the Cherokee.

Other than Sotheby's and Christie's you can do a web search for art dealers/auctioneers. I'd stick with larger, reputable names located in New York, Chicago or Los Angeles for pieces of considerable significance.

gluwater

Hopefully you'll post a pic or two of these carvings, this sounds very interesting.