We have been contacted many times regarding appraisals
for fire and theft losses. Most insurance companies will
accept the prices listed on our web site, and several
companies have contacted me about prices of nutcrackers
not listed there. We do have a list of retired
nutcrackers that we have in the store in addition to
those listed on the web site. I do not know of a
professional appraiser who is more knowledgeable in
nutcracker prices, but would be interested in having
names for reference if any are available.
For your insurance, you will want to list your
nutcrackers by replacement cost. For your records you
will want to keep pertinent information such as brand,
condition, size, and current price. If the box is
considered, such as Steinbach, you will want to state
that you have the original box.
I suggest that you consult with your
insurance agent. Here is a company that handles only
insurance for collectibles, called Collectibles
Insurance Agency. This company can be reached toll
free at 1-888-837-9637, Their address is P.O. Box 1200,
Westminster, MD 21158. You can look them up on the web at:
www.collectinsure.com.
You would be amazed at the number of calls
we get for appraisals because of fire or other damage.
Who will be inheriting your collection? If you are older,
like myself, you may want to have a chat with your children
if you intend to amass a huge collection. Perhaps they will
have some good ideas that you will want to consider.