I’m wondering if anyone knows of (or happens to be) someone who has the expertise to appraise four antique carts and two sleighs my mother-in-law is wanting to sell. I can get measurements, pictures, assessment of state of things (all will need refurbishment to some degree, as they have suffered from benign neglect for about a hundred years), but I don’t know enough about driving or carts to even begin to have thoughts on how to price them or where to sell.
Not in your 'hood, but the Mennonite guy who built my showcart also restores antiques and has quite a good eye.
I know he has customers from all over the US & can give you his info:
Leroy Martin - Martin’s Buggy Shop
Nappanee, IN
574-831-3699
He does have a phone, not a phone shack like the Amish, but don’t know if he can be emailed pics.
Contact John Greenall in Vermont – (802) 436-2266. He’s an ADS judge, carriage appraiser, turnout guru, and all-around nice guy. If he can’t do it, he can point you toward someone who can (but I can’t imagine he wouldn’t be able to do it, even by photograph)
Thank you both!
A second for John Greenall, he knows his vehicles! Not sure what he charges for his services.
Keep in mind that carriages and sleighs are in a low spot for selling. Have sold low the last few years. Most do not fetch the higher prices of a few years back. Unrestored is not a bad thing, collectors like unrestored, original condition vehicles. Yet if they are not made by the better makers, they can be little interest. Restoration is expensive. Check for maker names, numbers, to tell your appraiser.
