Introduction
When appraising the value of old board games, the first thing to understand is that appraisals and value are two different things. An appraisal is a professional opinion about the condition, quality and originality of a game by an expert. Value refers to how much a board game is worth on the market. This can be determined by researching current sales prices of similar items in the same condition and age or by consulting an expert to gain insight from their experience.
Steps – Get Appraisal On Old Board Games
1. Research ” Start with gathering as much information about your game as possible. Identify the edition, publisher and any available history behind its development or initial release date. Find photos online of your exact game and look for any reviews that may appear in vintage gaming collector magazines or websites. Also, look for estimated values posted in online auction sites such as eBay or other similar markets.
2. Collect Evidence ” Take detailed photographs of your board game with a digital camera or smartphone showing as many angles and details possible including worn spots, scratches or damages and make any annotations regarding those areas to ensure accuracy during inspection.
3. Contact an Expert ” Seek out an experienced hobbyist who specializes in old board games or video games if necessary depending on your item’s nature. Provide them with evidence collected and information gathered along with clear questions so they may provide a detailed assessment accordingly of your item(s). Ensure that you either pay for their expertise or exchange something else of equal value for their services to respect their efforts dedicated to providing you adequate feedback.
4. Look for Local Events” Attend trade shows, conventions, swap meets, antique shops and flea markets often where like-minded collectors gather to compare notes which can further help in obtaining observations regarding various collections besides experiencing great synergy amongst enthusiasts . You could also find good deals here which could benefit not only financially but also add some variety into your collection plus facilitate knowledge gaining from others willing to share experiences shared through time spent together at these events
Research the Value of Your Board Games
When appraising old board games, it is important to consider the year it was made, the company that originally published it, and its current market value. It helps to research online auction sites such as eBay or Amazon to determine an approximate sale price. Additionally, one should research book values of the game – there are often collector’s guides available that list prices.
Other factors that influence the value of a board game include the completeness of the set – do all parts that were originally included come with it? Is any artwork or packaging in good condition? Are any cards missing or torn? Additionally, look for signatures on the box and pieces, surveys that were originally included with the set or edition numbers which add to a game’s desirability for collectors. Identifying popular pieces can stack up some added value as well. Special editions such as collector’s re-prints may also increase its saleability. Finally, be sure to note if scarcity affects its saleability – rare items often command much higher prices than those which are more common.
Visit Antique Stores and Talk to Dealers
If you are looking to get an appraisal on old board games, one of the best things you can do is visit antique stores and talk to the dealers. Many antique stores specialize in older, antique items such as board games from various eras. By talking to the dealers, you can learn about what type of games are most valuable, what to look for when examining a game for its worth, and which particular games have a higher resale value.
Additionally, speaking with an antique store dealer also gives you an opportunity to ask questions about determining the authenticity of an item and other tips for identifying quality or rare pieces. The experts at these stores typically have extensive knowledge and experience working with various antiques like board games, and will be able to provide sound advice when it comes time to assess the value of your item. Doing research and asking questions before heading into the store can give you a better idea of which games may be valuable and how to spot them in the collection.
Hire an Appraiser and Understand the Cost
If you have old board games that you believe may have value, it is a good idea to get them appraised by a professional. An appraisal will provide a degree of certainty regarding the worth of your possessions and can help with estate planning and litigation. When hiring an appraiser, be sure to do your research to ensure they are legitimate and professional. Make sure they specialize in antiques so they know how to properly assess your specific item. Additionally, find out how much the service will cost and be aware of any additional fees you may incur.
Once you’ve hired an appraiser, provide as much information about your game as possible when discussing the job. Items such as make, model, condition, year made and identifying marks should all be noted. Also let them know if any parts are missing or if it has been modified from its original form in any way.
When the appraisal is complete there should be a detailed report which explains why the items were given their estimated value. Appraisals take into account factors such as rarity and current market pricing as well as actual condition of the game itself. The appraiser can also provide suggested ways to sell or donate the game if desired. All paperwork should be kept safe in case additional documentation is ever needed for insurance purposes or other legal matters
What Do Appraisers Look For When Evaluating Vintage Board Games
When appraisers are evaluating vintage board games, they look for qualities that add to the overall value of the game. First, the condition of the pieces must be taken into account. Collectors prize mint condition pieces that show no signs of age or damage, so any blemishes can significantly reduce a game’s worth. Additionally, appraisers research the history behind antique board games. This involves studying each game’s original box art and instructions as well as its introduction to market and previous market performances. It’s also essential to consider what era a game comes from – some specific but short-lived eras are more desirable than others. The competitive landscape surrounding each game at its time of release is examined by appraisers as well; if it failed against existing successful rivals, it may not have the same demand decades later when resurfaced on today’s market. Finally, collectors seeking out certain games may pay higher prices in an effort to complete their personal collection, which affects its total appraisal value by increasing demand on the marketplace as well.
Condition of the Board Game
When trying to get an appraisal on an old board game, one of the most important things to consider is the condition of the game. It’s important to inspect the board, pieces, box and overall design in order to accurately assess its value.
The first step is to look at all of the surfaces. If there are any scratches or markings on them, take note as this will affect the appraised value. Additionally, pay attention to any fading or discoloration that may have occurred over time and document it accordingly. Going through all pieces contained within the board game is also a necessity; make sure they are complete and intact or determine how many parts may be missing as this too will affect appraisal value.
Moving onto inspecting the box itself, check for signs such as tears, creases and evidence of water damage that would indicate ill-storage conditions. Pay attention to paint loss and paper deterioration as well for more insight into what kind of shape your board game is in. Lastly, observe the overall design of your vintage item; if you still have original instructions then read through those thoroughly and appreciate any type of artwork that adorns your beloved piece. This classic aesthetic can only increase appraisal worth if in good condition.
Rarity or Uniqueness of the Board Game
When determining the value of an old board game, rarity and uniqueness of the game often play a role in driving up its price. To get an appraisal on your board game, you’ll need to inspect it carefully to determine just how rare and unique it is. If your board game isn’t considered “rare” or “unique”, then it likely won’t be worth as much. But if it does possess rare or unique characteristics, then it can be quite valuable.
There are several different ways to gauge the rarity or uniqueness of an old board game. First, consider whether there are any variations of the game that might have been released over the years. Variations may come in terms of altered rules, components, box cover art, or other information. Next, take into account any special editions, limited quantities made available at a certain time period (like limited collector’s editions), or anything else that could make a board game rare or unique compared to other releases that have existed over time. Finally, consider doing some research online to see if others have posted reviews on the same game you own and look for stories of hard-to-find copies being sold at exceptional prices – this may give you a good indication as to how much yours might be worth!
Documentation or Provenance That Adds Value
Provenance, or the history of a piece or object, is an important factor when appraising old board games. Special records can often date an item to a specific year and sometimes even identify its original owner, thereby establishing the provenance of the board game. Historical events, such as the introduction of new laws or changes in fashion and styles during particular decades or centuries, can give clues concerning the age and value of antique board games. Additionally, records such as magazines and newspapers that featured reviews around the time a specific game was released can also add to its value. Many ancient board games have also been written about in literature and correspondences from prominent people during that period in time have survived which further adds value to those items. All these pieces of evidence are extremely helpful when determining the worth of an old board game.
Popularity and Demand of the Board Game
When you are looking to get an appraisal on your old board game, the popularity and demand for it plays an important role. When it comes to vintage board games, certain eras of game production were more popular than others. For example, games from the 1950s and 1960s tend to be more desirable due to their nostalgic factor. To determine how much a particular game is worth, look at what kind of value other similar titles have sold for in auction houses or online platforms.
Since some games could have been produced in huge numbers or become out of fashion over time, the demand for them could be significantly less. If you can only find a few examples of the board games selling on retailers’ websites or eBay listings then they may not be worth as much as something that multiple people are willing to bid up.
It is also important to consider any variations between your version and that listed in recent auctions ” are there any additional pieces or tools included? Does it have rare features associated only with certain game versions? Checking details like these can help you identify rare boards which will fetch a higher price when appraised.
Conclusion
When it comes to parting with your old board games, you have two main options: selling them or donating them. If you’re looking to make the most money out of your vintage and classic titles, you should consider selling them online. Doing so will give you access to an international community and a considerable number of potential buyers, some of whom may be willing to pay top dollar for hard-to-find gems. An experienced appraiser could help you determine the actual value of an item so that you can accurately assess its worth. Alternatively, if you would prefer not to cash in on those memories from yesteryear, then don’t hesitate to donate the set to charity, as this way it can bring entertainment and joy to people who otherwise couldn’t afford it. In any case, whatever decision you make ” whether it’s selling or donating ” be sure to do your research about the game beforehand and find out what kind of return you can expect for it before deciding how best to proceed.
I love playing all kinds of games – from classics like Monopoly to modern favourites like Ticket to Ride.
I created this blog as a way to share my love of board games with others, and provide information on the latest releases and news in the industry.
