1511 W. Howard St. Chicago, IL

Chicago antique appraisers that understand value.

✓ ISA Accredited Staff (International Society of Appraisers)

✓ Complimentary consultation

✓ Expert level experience in assessing valuables

✓ Licensed, accredited and local

✓ A team of dedicated professionals working on your behalf

Full Service Antique Appraisals in Chicagoland

We provide documented valuations for individual objects and entire collections. Services range from a single heirloom to complete estate contents throughout Chicago and surrounding communities.

Independent and Objective Opinions

An appraisal is not a purchase offer. Our role is to provide an unbiased opinion of value based on research, comparable sales, and market demand. Because we are not acting as a buyer, clients receive clear and impartial guidance they can rely on when making decisions.

ISA Certified Experts in the Field

Each Chicago antique appraisal includes identification, condition assessment, and supporting market data. We reference auction records, collector trends, and historical information to establish defensible fair market value appropriate for legal and financial use.

Competitive rates

Hourly and flat by the project rates available No hidden fees. Projects paid for after delivery.

Industry Expertise

Trained in all fields of antiques and collectibles Specialize in finding value in overlooked items

Fifty years

Three generations in one location. Thousands of satisfied customers

How We Identify Value in Items Others Often Overlook.

Resources that go beyond the internet

Our Chicago antique appraisal practice focuses on careful identification, research, and market analysis of historic objects and personal property.

Many items dismissed as decorative or sentimental often possess measurable collector value when properly examined. We evaluate antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry, art, and decorative objects using auction records, comparable sales, and material analysis to determine accurate market value.

Serving Chicago and surrounding suburbs, we provide professional appraisal services for estates, insurance documentation, charitable donation, and resale planning.

Exclusive Auction Records

Every Chicago antique appraisal is supported by auction comparables and verified sales records. We analyze recent auction results, collector demand, and condition factors to determine fair market value based on real market behavior rather than estimates or guesswork.

ISA Certified Appraisal Practice

Appraisals are prepared using accepted professional standards and established valuation methodology. Our reports are suitable for estate planning, probate, equitable distribution, insurance coverage, and donation documentation.

Local Chicagoland Service

We provide Chicago antique appraisals throughout the city and nearby suburbs with both on-site visits and remote evaluations. Clients include families, collectors, attorneys, executors, and insurance representatives needing clear, documented valuations.

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How it Works

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Appraisals in a few easy steps

Get in Touch

First, contact us to schedule your antique appraisal. Clients may submit photographs for a preliminary review or arrange an on-site appointment. We work with families, collectors, attorneys, and executors throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

Evaluation

Second, the property is examined and documented, including identification, condition, age, and relevant market comparisons. Research includes auction records and comparable sales to determine fair market value for the intended use of the appraisal.

Recieve Appraisal

Third, you receive a professional written appraisal report suitable for estate settlement, probate, insurance coverage, charitable donation, or resale planning. Reports clearly document valuation methodology and supporting market data.

Expert appraisals in every category.

Decades in antiques prepares us for any collection.

Ancient Art & Antiquities

Contemporary Art

Glass & Porcelain

Paintings & Multiples

Fine Jewelry

How we’re different.

LIQUIDATORS

Lots of hidden fees
Uneducated pricing of valuables
Little or no customer reviews
Unlicensed activity

Lost Eras Appraisers

Fully licensed, accredited and insured

Hassle free and pleasant experience

No high pressure
sales tactics

Industry-wide
competitive rates

No hidden fees

Competent and talented professionals
real world experience

Superior knowledge
in pricing your valuables

DO IT YOURSELF

Intense crowds and pressure
Hard to value items
Weeks of work and setup
Potentially hazardous situations in home

FAQs

What are your fees?
What is the procedure?

The procedure is simple for you and your family. We arrange a consultation where we assess the potential value of your family’s personal property and decide the length of time it will take for marketing and set up. Once you agree, we will need access to the home for the weeks prior to the sale. We try to make this as hassle free as possible. We will need all items settled as to what is being kept by the family before photography begins.
How do I know I am getting the most for my stuff?

This is an issue that comes to mind for many sellers not familiar with antiques and have inherited a collection or estate. We love to have informed clients and be fully transparent when it comes to the value of their items. In this business word travels fast and being dishonest when evaluating items consequently has a negative impact for everyone. Ultimately, it is a matter of great importance that we apply fair market value so as to keep our buyers happy and make sure you sell the most possible. Many estate sale companies will undervalue items but it can be even worse to overvalue something. What this leads to is a lot of items left over which is not a good outcome for anyone.

Question not here?

Email Us

Professional Ethics Statement

Our Promise to you

At Lost Eras we live by the motto “Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching.” Our personal and professional ethics help us to pick the legitimate option in sensitive situations. We answer all questions with honesty and forthrightness. We will never take advantage of someone for momentary monetary gains because we believe in a greater universal kinship.

Offering a full line of services.

1. Art and Antique Collections

We provide Chicago estate appraisals for complete households and collections. Services are commonly requested by executors, trustees, and families needing documentation for probate, inheritance distribution, or tax reporting. Entire estates, partial estates, and specialized collections are evaluated.

3. Insurance and Damge Claims

Appraisals are frequently required for insurance scheduling, coverage adjustments, and damage or loss claims. We provide documented valuations describing the object, its age, and appropriate replacement or market value for insurance purposes.

2. Single Items

Individual objects can also be evaluated. We appraise paintings, jewelry, antique furniture, vintage clothing, watches, and decorative arts. Many clients simply want to know what an item is and what it is worth before deciding whether to insure, keep, or sell.

4. Estate Planning and Donations

We prepare appraisal reports used for charitable contribution documentation, planned giving, and estate planning. Reports provide the valuation information necessary for record keeping and professional review.

Use our connections to find the highest paying buyers.

What if you need help selling the items we appraise? Our long history in the antique and auction business can be put to work. We have helped many clients find the most appropriate avenues for sale.

Testimonials

What our clients have to say.

Cathy Smith

“The staff was very friendly and helpful. The place is immense and has things from many different time periods. I had clothes to sell from my Mother, Charlotte was very empathetic to the history of my items. I feel I got more than a fair price for what I was selling. You can find almost anything you’d like here. Very positive experience.”

Joann Volocyk

“We worked with Charlotte and her team to sell vintage clothing, antiques, unusual collectibles and other items treasured by my aunt. Charlotte was very caring and interested to hear the origins of the items and was particular in her selections of what would work well in the store and the needs of their customers. We were offered very fair prices. Overall, highly recommend Lost Eras to anyone looking to sell valuable treasures, as well as to anyone looking to buy…you’re bound to find what you’re looking for! Thank you Charlotte & team! Joann and Bruce”

Chicago Antique Buyers

We buy antiques all over the country but specialize in Chicago as well.

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Vintage Clothing

We are one of the biggest buyers of clothing in the midwest.

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Estate Sale Services

We run full service estate sales online, or at the home

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Chicago Antique Buyers