Reference Tools
Appraisals for Value or AuthenticityThe Center for American History staff cannot perform appraisals, but they can help you identify standard published reference works such as American Book-Prices Current and Bookman’s Price Index that contain information, such as past auction records, that might help you determine the market value of your items, especially books.
Additionally, here is a list of Austin-area appraisers whom you might wish to hire to establish market value or authenticity. Inclusion within this list does not imply endorsement by the Center, nor does the Center assume responsibility for arrangements made with these appraisers. The Center will not recommend appraisers. Please contact these appraisers directly concerning fees and arrangements.
| T. Michael Parrish (254) 424-6610 Michael_Parrish@baylor.edu |
American history, especially Texas and the Southwest, the South, and the Civil War | |
| Marianne Fulton (512) 382-9535 (h) mfulton2@austin.rr.com |
Photograph appraisals | |
| John Payne 2309 Camino Real Austin, Texas 78746 (512) 328-4535 (512) 328-4536 FAX payne@payne-associates.com |
Rare books, manuscripts, and photographs | |
This list is updated only once a year. Only appraisers with skills which align with the Center’s collection strengths will be included on the list.
We suggest that you also contact rare, used, or out-of-print book dealers in your area. For further information on questions about rare books and book values, please visit the Association of College and Research Libraries’ Rare Books and Manuscripts Section Web page "Your Old Books."
Finally, some book dealers’ searchable inventories are available online at: