There are several options for the collector or hobbyist who is looking for a good source well versed in appraising antique buttons.  Whether you are looking at appraising antique buttons made of brass, metal, enamel, bakelite, celluloid, leather, champleve, ivory or wood, you must already have a pretty good sense that the buttons have value, otherwise you wouldn’t be considering appraisal.

You might start the process of appraising antique buttons by doing a little preliminary research yourself.  Go for a visit to your local library or bookstore and check out some of the books or periodicals they might have specific to antique buttons or appraising antique buttons.  Even books dedicated to defining and cataloguing antique buttons may include rough price guides which can give you a starting point to recognizing the market value of your antique buttons.  Remember, though, that these books and guides are only as accurate as the year in which they were published.  You should also remember that the value of your antique buttons is dependent on their condition and rarity as well. 

You may also find some good resources about appraising antique buttons online by checking out hobbyist websites, collectors’ websites and online auction sites such as eBay.  If you can find the same or similar item as you have listed on an auction site, it will give you an idea of what the market is willing to pay.  This can go a long way in establishing a starting point for your expectations as far as the results of appraising antique buttons in your collection is concerned.

If you are serious about appraising antique buttons, and have established some reasonable expectations of their value by checking out resources in print and online, your next step in appraising antique buttons would be to visit a private appraiser, or button show or convention.

Private appraisers may end up costing you a little money, but often times they possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise in specific areas and antique time periods, so appraising antique buttons through a professional appraiser may yield you more accurate results.  If you are able to sell your antique buttons for their full market value, the money you spent on a professional appraisal will end up being worth it.  You can shop around for an appraiser that specializes in appraising antique buttons specific to your collection.

Visiting an antique show or button convention allows you to pool the resources of your peers for appraising antique buttons on the fly.  You may encounter people with more knowledge and experience than yourself to give you an idea of the value of your buttons.  But beware of those who may try to take advantage of your ignorance and inexperience by claiming a low value to try and buy your items for themselves. 

However you choose to approach appraising antique buttons, if you’re serious about selling, it is always good to get a second opinion to ensure the accuracy of your appraisal.