Selling old objects? Five photographs that help us assess them
Have you found an old ring in a drawer, inherited a few objects or started sorting a collection? You do not need to know what everything is called before contacting us. Clear photographs give us a better starting point.
Show the whole object as well as its details. These five types of photographs help Østlandet Brukt & Antikk assess whether an object or collection may be of interest.
1. Show the complete object
Begin with an overview showing the entire object. Use a plain background, good daylight and a steady camera. Avoid filters and flash that creates reflections.
For a collection, dinner service or several related objects, include a group photograph so we can see the overall contents.
2. Photograph marks, signatures and labels
Carefully check the underside, reverse, edges or the inside of jewellery for a mark, signature, model number or old label. Take a separate close-up and make sure the characters are readable.
A mark is a clue to investigate. It may not tell the whole story, so include the overview as well.
3. Show distinctive details
Photograph patterns, engravings, hinges, lids or anything you are curious about. The back of a piece of jewellery or the underside of a bowl can be as helpful as the front.
Include any box, sheath or accessories that come with the object. Add a few words about its history if you know it.
4. Show wear and damage clearly
Scratches, chips, cracks, repairs and missing parts are relevant to the assessment. Photograph what you can see, even if it seems minor.
You do not need to polish or repair an older object before making an enquiry. Let the photographs show its present condition. Ask us first if you are unsure about cleaning.
5. Give dimensions and the size of the collection
Tell us approximate dimensions such as height, width or length. Weight may also be useful for small objects if you have suitable scales. A ruler beside the object can help show its size.
For a dinner service or collection, give the number of pieces. For an estate or clearance enquiry, send overview photographs and tell us where the objects are located.
Unsure what you have? Send photographs anyway
We assess jewellery, silver, watches, porcelain, art, old toys and collectables. Our Norwegian buying guide explains more about the types of objects we are interested in.
Send photographs and a short description through OBA's contact form. Tell us whether you wish to sell an individual object or a collection, or need help with an estate.
The form accepts up to five photographs. Additional photographs can be sent later by replying to the email you receive from us.
Photographs provide an initial starting point. Some information and the condition may require closer inspection before we can make a specific offer.
The photographs in this guide show real OBA objects as examples of overall appearance, details and condition.
