Go to the library and get a book on antique quilts. She got her knowledge from reading and spending time studying quilts. If she is certified, she should be very knowledgable. Speaking only for myself, I would trust her to know what she is doing. And if someone tells you the quilt isn't 100 years old? Does that make them right and her wrong? If you feel you don't trust her, don't buy the quilt. Her appraisal will be sufficient for the insurance company because she is certified.

Betty

Certified????
Don't know what state you are in but in many states "certified" means you paid the fee.
I trust no "Expert"...do your home work, study, ask look, feel and read. What she learned, you can learn too....and perhaps more besides.
But in her defense, a description of the sales slip actually amounts to an appraisal and a guarantee of authenticity.
BUT....if you are buying and spending big bucks....LEARN....study what you are buying, don't take the sellers word for it....but her description on the sales slip is a good thing to have. She is putting her reputation on the line....in writing!
Linda C

If the dealer is indeed a certified appraiser, then you will find her listed in either ISA or ASA, both accessible online. If she's a 'comic book' appraiser; that is, one who pays a fee through one of the splashy ads promising easy appraiser status (presumably what Linda C referred to), then there is no listing and no real training that I'm aware of.

In order to be certified, which is a legally and nationally recognised status, one must undergo years of rigorous education, and pass federal examinations covering not only subject matter and specialty, but also laws governing appraisers. A certified appraiser is bound to defend appraisals in court if requested to do so. One cannot simply take the classes to become certified, one is required to have a sponsor who is of excellent reputation in the trade AND is also certified through the same organisation (ISA or ASA). THIS is what a certified appraiser is, not someone who merely 'pays the fee'.

If this dealer is indeed listed amongst the certified appraisers, then she is not bound to perform a simple appraisal-the 'description' you refused-unless you pay the fee. Regardless, her description will state the quilt's age, as best she has determined, and a few other points of note, such as condition. IMO, ALL dealers should provide this information on, or attached to, the invoice. I do, along with a copy of all correspondence leading to the sale, correspondence to and from other parties previous to that sale, and references used in determining what the item is (including specialist and expert opinions). Gives buyers a lot to work with-and is only fair, since so many buyers are largely unfamiliar with antiques. A buyer provided with lots of information in the sale might just try to learn about antiques, eventually specialising in something, and bang! Another antiques addict! Maybe even a dealer someday...or a world reknowned collector...A good dealer's goal is to get more people involved in antiques. Share the love, you know.

A look around the dealer's shop should give you an idea of her knowledge, education, and expertise. You should see quality and good presentation in just about everything in her inventory. If she's located in a rubbishy co-op, beware. She's probably not an appraiser, nor even remotely familiar with antiques.

Deliberately dishonest dealers are actually few and far between. We really appreciate our clients, and want them to come back. It's how we make a living. And lying isn't the way to establish a client base.

If in doubt, you can base the sale on a professional appraisal. Then it's up to YOU to take the quilt to another certified appraiser (not the dealer), with a specialty in, if not textiles, at least the same era. You will pay the appraisal fee. If the appraisal differs substantially from the dealer's claim, return the quilt for refund. You'll be out only the appraiser's fee. Much easier than being stuck with your doubts and the cost of the quilt.

If she states to the best of her knowledge that the quilt is of a particular age and another CERTIFIED appraiser states that it is not, there will be writings by each demonstrating on what factors they based their appraisal. The dealer should take it back if another appraisal makes you unsure about the quilt, PERIOD. If she's proven wrong you can haul her to court for fraud-but why would you want to? How do you plan to prove she's a fraud? Remember that no one can prove absolutely the age of most antiques-even professionals. Professionals are far better equipped than non-certified or self-styled 'appraisers', though. As Betty points out-if another expert disagrees with the dealer, does that make them right and her wrong?-of course not. It's up to YOU to be as prepared as you can, and to base YOUR decision on as big a cartload of information as you can get. Second opinion, third opinion, learn and study and have fun.

It only takes one dishonest dealer to make a buyer suss all dealers. That's why it's necessary to try to learn what you can beforehand. I doubt there's a buyer anywhere who hasn't been burned by a self styled expert. I suspect from your tone that you've had troubles somewhere along the line. Insist on full descriptions on EVERY invoice from EVERY dealer you buy from. Protect yourself. Good dealers will be happy to do this.

There are dozens of reference books available to study. There are fantastic museums whose collections are often available online. There are people to ask who specialise in quilts. Learn what techniques were used in quilt-making, and when these techniques were used. The better prepared you are, the better quality you'll buy. And maybe you'll get hooked, and bang! You'll have a world-famous collection, or join the trade...Best of luck to you. Let us know what turns out.

Here is a link that might be useful: ISA, ASA

Whoops, sorry, looks like I don't know how to post multiple links! Let me try again.

ASA

ISA

Ask two appraisers and you may get two different answers sometimes. You could take the quilt to an AQS appraiser since they don't deal will all textiles, just quilts. As a quilt appraiser, I can tell you that I give someone my best "educated" guess. And that is what quilt dates are based on. The dates of the fabrics, patterns and quilting techniques. We are gaining information all of the time and many former dates are being questioned.

Appraisers are not to have a stake in the outcome of the price of the quilt, so dealers should not be performing appraisals on quilts they sell. Or buy.

The appraisal should have an approximate date, but without documented provenance, there is no way an appraiser can totally, without question, give you a specific date. An appraisal is a description for the purpose of fair market value, replacement (insurance value) or donation value. It is not an absolute. It is a guess based on knowledge.

It's hard to tell with no description of the quilt, but quilts from 1900 are very hard to date. The fabrics at that time look similar to many other decades. Much easier to be before 1880 or after 1920. Many dealers (and quilters also) date quilts wrong. I can't tell you how often people think a quilt is older than it really is.

When buying anything, your own personal knowledge is your best guide. If you have good knowledge of the fabrics and feel comfortable that the age is correct, then buy the quilt. If you really can't tell the age (or an approximate age) you may want to do more research. Or do business with a dealer who you feel that you can trust.

Good luck with your decision.

Gloria