So, what's new in antiques (an old chestnut but, couldn't resist).
Well, it turns out that the producers of the popular television antiques programme, 'Cash in the Attic' have come out with an eponymous App.
And if you thought that DVT stands for the potential ailment of long-distance air travellers (Deep Vein Thrombosis), think again... it's Discover, Value, Trade.
Well, it turns out that the producers of the popular television antiques programme, 'Cash in the Attic' have come out with an eponymous App.
And if you thought that DVT stands for the potential ailment of long-distance air travellers (Deep Vein Thrombosis), think again... it's Discover, Value, Trade.
Now for the ACIDS test:
Aesthetics
There are a number of options on the home screen, available either at the bottom tab, or from the screen itself:
Sign In/Register
Unless you just want to watch some excerpts from television episodes, you need to log-in. This can be done painlessly, either through Facebook, or set up a free account directly from the App with an email address and password.
TV
This enables you to see snippets from some past television episodes.
Valuation
This is what makes this App different to everything else.
Take up to half a dozen photographs or a video up to one minute in length. Then enter the following information about the item you wish to have valued:
Description
Category - There is a fairly exhaustive list from which you can pick, as well as 'other'
Maker or Artist - anything from African and Tribal Art to Wine, via Music Memorabilia
Style
Location
Condition - be honest, there's no point putting 'pristine' to get a higher valuation, you will only be disappointed later
Measurements
Other Info - very important, the more you give, the more accurate the valuation.
Once you have completed that little lot (pun intended), touch the 'Get Valuation' button and wait for an email acknowledgement, and a couple of days or so later you will get a valuation certificate.
In an age where we have become used to everything being instantaneous, it is worth remembering that actual experts (people) will be examining the information to provide you with access to their expert knowledge.
This then turned out to be the most surprising part of this offering. The valuation came back, not in the promised 48 hours, but in a mere 5... hours (!). What's more, it did not just contain an estimate of the value but also a couple of hundred words of description and suggestions.
My Attic
This has a double use. On the one hand you can set the parameters for your account, and on the other have a listing of items that you have sent for valuation.
The App is littered (not in an untidy way) with question marks that you can use for further help.
Cost
The App is absolutely free and individual valuations are £6.99. Although this might appear a bit steep, if you value your time, and the advice of experts, then it is almost given away.
The independent valuation could also well prove to be an additional comfort to prospective purchasers on ebay, or other auction sites.
Indispensability
This obviously depends on your interest in antiques and collectibles.
Dependability
The App is designed for the iPhone, and works in 1x and 2x modes on an iPad. You need to be a little careful with the 'other info', as it is only obvious if you hit return after having entered size information.
When requesting a valuation, make sure that you have all the information you need, as this is not saved as you go.
Security
You will need to either set up a free account, or sign-in via your Facebook account.
ACIDS Test Rating:
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