I need help selling an original painting.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

A long time ago, a lovely lady in the town I came from gave my mother one of her original paintings. It is certainly one of her earlier works. Since then, she has gone on to become a folk art painter of considerable reknown. I presently need to sell the painting. I need the money and to be quite honest, it just isn't my cup of tea. That all said, I know little or nothing regarding the selling of such things, just enough to know that I could easily get fleeced.

I also have a ceramic cigar holder, very old, incredibly detailed and of the finest craftsmanship that I need to sell. Once again: I need the money.

Can anyone advise me in this matter?

[supernova]

Eek! Sounds like a small pile

you got there.

I would start by calling an art museum nearby, and ask to speak to the curator. Esp if they specialize in folkart.

I wouldn't tell them you want to sell but rather to know for insurance purposes. That way, you get a better idea of the value.

I go to a lot of auctions, and stuff goes for cheap because a lot of the audience doesn't know the value of the items. Granted, it's great for auction goers who want a bargain, but it's sad for the owner trying to recoup some mullah.

[ps1074]

1. Ebay?

Don't know how helpful it is but it was the first thing that crossed my mind.

May be you could sell them on Ebay and put a reasonably high starting bid on both items. :shrug:

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

3. For these sorts of things...

Ebay is not appropriate. These pieces have real worth and I want to extract this worth. Ebay will only attract bargain hunters.

[GOPisEvil]

2. For the painting, I'd go to a reputable art dealer.

I'd even pay the appraisal fee.

You might try something similar for the cigar holder, but with an antique dealer.

[hayu_lol]

4. Any reputable art dealer can put you in touch

with agents/dealers who handle the painting you have. They can best advise you on how to go about valuing and selling the painting...and they may have people who buy that kind of material.

Try google to find a dealer who handles your painter's work.