RIN:15 Appraisal instructions

RIN:015 Thank you for your interest regarding an appraisal of your instrument.

Appraisals:
Written Appraisals are necessary to document either the retail replacement value (insurance purposes), fair market value (cash or probate) as well as for inheritance and gift tax purposes. Call for details and charges.

Oral Appraisals for Instruments and Bows, which are below $500 of replacement value, are given free of charge. Please see: Appraisal Services and Instructions

Consulting Services:
Collectors of fine instruments should always seek professional advice on the important questions that determine the value of an instrument.
Among them: What is a violin's condition? Who made it? (When? Where?) How much of the violin is authentic? To what extent have the essential original parts been altered in the name of "restoration"? How much of the instrument in front of me came from the hands of the Original Maker?

Certificate of Authenticity:
As qualified expert appraisers, Fritz Reuter & Sons can provide a Certificate of Authenticity.
A certificate is written testimony to the truth of a fact or facts of an instruments origin

A certificate of authenticity with a violin or bow is comparable to identification card of an individual and does not give a monetary valuation or state a price. (i.e. Equivalent to a Passport)

Certificate of Condition:
A Certificate of Condition assists the owner of a stringed instrument of bow in assessing the depreciations and physical changes that their investment may have encountered. This evaluation will present information regarding any interior and exterior damages to the instrument or bow.
(i.e. a Health certificate)

Basic facts regarding monetary value: The value of an instrument or bow is dependent upon it's physical condition and who it's original maker was, regardless of label or brand.

Here’s some information that may help you determine your course of action.
Authentic instruments of value might be of interest to us, as we do buy, appraise and take instruments on consignment. Chicago is a good international market for fine string instruments.
Please call us before shipping any items. (847)677-7255

A. We can give you an oral appraisal, stating an instrument or bow’s cash, wholesale, or retail value
1. Based on photos you send us

These photos should be close-ups of the:

--belly or top
--the back,
--one side of the scroll.

Color photos are preferred. In addition to the photos, you will need to supply:

a) the inscription from the instrument label and/or the name branded into the shaft of the bow,
b) a self-addressed envelope with sufficient return postage affixed,
c) the telephone number where you can be reached,
d) a payment of thirty dollars ($30.00). Please call, write, or fax us, before sending any instruments or bows.

2. Based on direct evaluation of the instrument or bow

This can be done either face-to-face or by shipping items to us. If you want to bring your instrument and/or bow to our shop, please call for an appointment. If you want to ship us your instrument or bow, please call for an explanation of charges and procedures.

B. We can give you a written appraisal; this will state your instrument’s or bow’s retail replacements value for insurance purposes.

Like the oral appraisals described above, written appraisals can involve your personal visit to our shop, or can be provided for instruments and/or bows you ship. For further information, or to arrange an appointment, please call us.

The charges for writing an appraisal are:
a) a basic fee of $40.00 for each article
b) modest additional fees to cover liability insurance, shipping and freight insurance charges, and re-packing charges. Please write, phone, or fax us for a fuller explanation.

Fritz Reuter & Sons, Inc. Phone (847)677-7255
3917 W. Touhy Ave.
Lincolnwood, IL 60712-1027
email: freuter@fritz-reuter.com