BARRY ROGERS APPRAISAL SERVICES

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Mr. Rogers brought his associate, contrary to the agreement, and spent four hours going through a museum quality antique and art collection that he referred to as decorative and didn't bother to look at most pieces since they were common, not unique, or not as represented?  This was surprising as the appraiser from the Smithsonian (brought in to do the job properly) had a somewhat different impression, and had a far greater knowledge of the various pieces (he also did not deal in antiques, contrary to representations).

I've never seen someone handle art and antiques so unprofessionally.  I cringed every time a piece was touched.  I alsmost asked him not to touch the antiques.  I was afraid he was going to break them.  I learned how to handle an antique as a child, when does a professional learn?  Fortunately, due to his great knowledge, he had no interest (and therefore did not bother to examine or document) in numerous antiques.  I enjoyed his statement that the lamps were probably all drilled vases.  If he had looked at them (that is his job, he is an appraiser), he would havve seen they were prepared in a musem quality without damaging any of the vases in any manner. I learned over thirty years ago that you don't drill a 600 year old vase.  I doubt he would have cared though, referring to a six hundred year old Chinese Vase as being from the later part of the period, and very common today.  Not bothering to examine it.

He had a similarly interesting comment about a rare piece of furniture, stating it was simply the "odd" piece of the typical set from that period.  The gentleman from the Smithsonian knew what it was, and knew its value.

In a display case, with approximately 40 museum quality pieces in it, he was happy to take one photograph of the entire case.  How can you examine a vase without seeing if it is signed?  You can't.  The expert knew that.  I know that.

When he examined the paintings, he was similarly unprofessional.  Since all of the paintings are stored in an outbuilding, they wee examined outside, and he put many of them down on wet concrete to photograph them (I was frantically grabbing each one, as soon as I could, otherwise they were just have been left on the wet surface).

I was surprised at how quickly he moved through over 60 pieces, and amazed at how he was literally jumping into his car when I still had works for him to appraise.

Things became a little clearer when I began to suspect that a few things had "gone missing".  I guess it's easier when you have an assistant.

An appraiser, especially for damage, needs to document and examine each piece.  Even if he thinks it is "common".  He's not reviewing it to buy for a store (he said he didn't  have one)..  It is still insured and needs restoration.  The expert did not need to have that concept explained.

After two weeks I called to ask if I could receive a list of items with photographs, for the insurance claim. (That would just involve putting the card into the computer, and emailing.)  I also wanted to clear up  exactly what was missing.

I received a cryptic message that  this was a very large project, and would take a substantial period of time. (Since I expected a completed appraisal after two weeks, we agreed to it, I became very concerned).  I then remembered his assistant had mentioned going on vacation, and I realized nothing would be done until the assistant returned from the vacation.  Since it was already becoming longer than promised and the agreement did not include an assistant doing the appraisal, I hired another appraiser.  

The new appraiser came out immediately, who finished the work in a week.  A true professioanl.

An outrageous bill has come.  Four times the estimate.  I haven't even seen the "quality of the work".  I'm sure that Mr. Rodges, and his assistant, know that they can email a PDF that can't be printed.  So it can be reviewed before payment.  Or, they can email a page or two, demonstrating the quality of the work.  I wouldn't pay any tradesperson, especailly one who was already 6 weeks late and very questionable, unless I could see the work.  Maybe I will go buy his antique store in Olney (which doesn't exist), and he can show me the appraisal then, while I look around for anything familiar.  

The non-existant store is: Barry Rogers Antiques And Fine Art, 16650 GEORGIA AVENUE, OLNEY, MD 20832.  p: 301 570 0779  f: 301 570 0779.  They have been in business for 35 years (amazing), buying and selling antiques.  http://www.trocadero.com/barrykid/

Of course, if there is a conflict (i.e., the appraiser really wants to buy your antiques and paintings), the appraisal loses (has no) value.

Barry Rogers came highly recommended from a good friend and fellow art connoisseur. He is qualified and credentialed in many fields. His prices seemed reasonable and I will have to recommend his services to others in our area.