A collector’s practical guide
How to read an antique value estimate
Read an antique value estimate by checking what object the estimate describes, what evidence supports that identity and which price basis it uses. A range without a currency, date, condition assumptions and comparison sources is not enough to evaluate the estimate.
What should the value range refer to?
An estimate should identify the object and state the market context, currency and date used. Check whether quoted comparison amounts include fees. If one source reports an asking price and another reports a sold result, preserve that distinction rather than treating both as equivalent evidence.
How should I read confidence or uncertainty?
Ask what evidence supports the conclusion and what remains unresolved. A confidence label should not be treated as an authentication certificate. In CuriSnap’s sample report, the confidence label and dollar figures are fictional design examples, not outputs from a tested model or research on your uploaded object.
What makes a comparison useful?
A useful comparison identifies a traceable source and explains relevant similarities and differences. Examine attribution, dimensions, material and condition. One attractive image with an unexplained price cannot show how the proposed range was obtained.
Can I use the CuriSnap sample as my own valuation?
No. The sample is a demonstration of report layout, independent of your selected photographs. Live valuation and market-data retrieval are not connected. Use the sample to understand the fields, not to decide a sale price or establish the value of your object.
Keep the evidence beside the conclusion
| Area | Purpose or record | Limit or question |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Object description and attribution evidence | Does the estimate concern the same object type? |
| Condition | Visible issues and inspection limits | Could missing information change the comparison? |
| Value basis | Currency, date, market and fees | Are the quoted amounts comparable? |
| Evidence | Source records and differences | Can you check the reasoning independently? |