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Journal of Antiques and Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to present:

Asheford Institute of Antiques
www.asheford.com
APPRAISERS CORNER A Commitment to Excellence Since 1966

Certified Appraisal Training

Hello Journal Readers; Appraised Value of the double notched Wing (Butterfly) Bannerstone:

Before I render my opinion on the artifact, I want to share that I
asked Josh (the name was changed) to write this letter. I have received First, here an introduction to appraiser’s terms and their definitions.
numerous requests such as the one below to appraise with pictures. I am Fully Authentic – When an artifact, either historic or prehistoric is
using this wonderful example as a lesson for collectors to learn, not only deemed as real or genuine in the context of an item that is made by the
when buying prehistoric artifacts, but buying any antique worthy of its hands of prehistoric or historic man and not contemporarily made, copied,
price. I purchased and use the artifact at Archaeological shows to or restored.

demonstrate what to look for and the tools used to detect restoration. Salvaged – When a prehistoric or historic artifact is broken in the same
The person I purchased the artifact from revealed to me that this
piece had been restored by a reputable restorer who gave him a before age of its manufacture and then worked to repair the damage or transform
the broken artifact into a working useable artifact. These artifacts are
and after photo card to be given to new owners when it is sold. This is deemed as authentic salvaged pieces.
the proper way restored pieces should be enjoyed and sold. – DM
Restored – When an artifact, either historic or prehistoric is deemed
partially authentic with partial contemporarily made additions to make the
Mr. Moore – artifact look whole or complete or cosmetically better. To give the artist’s
Attached are “Front” and “Back” pictures of the prehistoric Bannerstone opinion of how the artifact might have looked if it was not damaged. (This
I was asking you to authenticate and appraise. Please let me know what you is an accepted practice as long as it is part of the history of the object for all
think. in the future to know and is used by museums, professional archaeologists,
Josh and collectors alike.)

Reproduction – The contemporarily-made copy of the authentic artifact
Hello Josh – was created for the purpose of display or art. (This is an accepted art form
I do not authenticate or appraise prehistoric artifacts by pictures. As
you know, the fakers, reproductionists, and restorers have all had a part as long as these artifacts are passed on as reproductions and not authentic
historic or prehistoric artifacts.)
in making it hard for anyone to determine fully authentic from not.
I will be present at the Indiana Archaeological Society show in Peru, Fake – A fake artifact is when a contemporarily made item or reproduc-
Indiana this weekend if you would like me to appraise this piece. tion is sold as a historic or prehistoric artifact. Usually, fakes undergo aging
Thank you and best regards, processes by those trying to perpetrate fraud against unsuspecting buyers.
David Moore CAA
Inspection:
The above double notched wing (Butterfly) Bannerstone has been
inspected with a 15 power Loupe and a Blacklight to help determine
authenticity as an artifact made by the hands of prehistoric man.

Evaluation:
The evaluation determined and it is my opinion that this specimen
is only two-thirds to one-half authentic consisting of prehistorically
worked brown slate showing polish marks patination and wear consis-
tent with like pieces made by the hands of prehistoric man.
The other one-third to one-half of the artifact has been restored
contemporarily using materials that are not prehistoric or old. Pictures
below will show what the blacklight detected. Restored areas show
bright under the blacklight.
Back under natural light, left
Back showing restoration, right Value:
It is my opinion that this particular restored artifact has a value
of $750. If the artifact was completely authentic the value would be at
least5 times greater.
Front showing restoration, left
Front under natural light, below Josh – I hope this lesson will serve you well in your quest for that next
artifact or antique. Remember: buy what you like and know you are getting
what you paid for. – David Moore CAA

David Moore is part of the “Ask the Experts” appraising team
for the Asheford Institute of Antiques where he is an Honors
graduate and a Certified Asheford Institute of Antiques
Appraiser. Mr. Moore has been buying, researching and sell-
ing the rare and unusual in antiques for over 50 years. David
is currently the owner of D.L. Moore, CAA, an antiques
appraisal business.

The Journal of Antiques & Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to provide our readers with professional appraisers to help you learn more
about and value your finds. Do you have questions about something you have acquired? We welcome your questions and photos. Send your information to
editorial@journalofantiques.com or mail to Journal of Antiques & Collectibles, PO Box 950, Sturbridge, MA 01566 attn: Appraisers Corner. To learn more about
becoming a “certified” antiques appraiser, visit www.asheford.com or call the Admissions Office toll free at 877-444-4508.

36 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles