In the art market which is always developing and where speculation is flourishing, the need of specialised experts is more and more indispensable

to purchase to buy To insure (before or after a claim) In case of dispute In case of inheritance sharing In case of a collection building up This expert must be a specialist able to :

	determine nature, origin and period of the making of the object
	Detect the deteriorations, transformations and repairs undergone by this object
	Determine the preservation state as well as the restoration and preservation measures it will need.
	Indicate the range of price within which this object would have a reasonnable chance to be sold, taking into account its qualities and defects as well as the current situation of the art market : selling value
	Indicate the range of price and the necessary delay needed to possibly replace it (after a moving damage for example) : replacement value

The independence and the deontology of the expert are key factors to make sure that he is in a perfect position to advise his clients with complete objectivity.

The help of a trustworthy professional allows to scrupulously manage the passing on of a family patrimony and to avoid the hazardous distributions as they were done too often in the past and even nowadays. In the frame of his advisory mission, the expert may also contribute to the selling in the best conditions of the items which have not been distributed among the inheritors. The help of a trustworthy professional allows to scrupulously manage the passing on of a family patrimony and to avoid the hazardous distributions as they were done too often in the past and even nowadays. In the frame of his advisory mission, the expert may also contribute to the selling in the best conditions of the items which have not been distributed among the inheritors..

A preliminary appraisal aims to determine the materiality, the authenticity, the state of preservation and the value of the goods to be insured. Such a written document allows to the insured to choose an appropriate insurance contract or a moving contract. Furthermore, in case of damage, the expert will assist his client to figure the damage and becomes the interlocutor of the expert of the insurance company. It has to be mentioned that the insurance companies are willing to reimburse the fees of the expert appointed by their insured in case of claim. Of course, an oral opinion of the expert may have some interest but only written certificate duly signed by a well reputable expert will be accepted by third parties.

This certificate must describe as precisely as possible all the characteristics of the object (period, stamp, preservation state,…) It represents a real identity card of the object and will follow it in any circumstances.

In case of theft, this preliminary report is also very useful to prove your ownership of the stolen good. It is not to forget that in such a case, the owner will have to prove that the goods in question were belonging to him, even when these goods are found again by the police.