Free appraisals................

........are worth exactly what you pay for them.

It's an old saying, but it's damn sure the truth.

Not to give away secrets, but here's how I take care of the countless requests I get every week. Believe me when I tell ya, there are a LOT of highwaymen paintings out there.

I cannot allow my time to be consumed by giving away free information.

It's taken me 15 years to learn what I know about highwaymen art, and 40 years of running my own business to learn what I know about people and how to deal with them.

Here's a copy paste of an email from yesterday and today:

In a message dated 11/18/2009 3:49:06 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

David writes:

Hello, I have an original Alfred Hair painting that I am interested in selling. I was wondering what you would offer.
Attached are some photo's of the painting
Thank you,
David _____

Bob writes:

Subject: Re: Alfred Hair ~ Painting for sale
Hello David.

I don't make offers.

I'll appraise and certify it for you for $100.00 fee.
There is an example on my website.

How much would you sell it for if you don't want an appraisal.?
Get all your offers from everyone else you can find on the internet and decide.

Then I'll say yes or no.

regards, BOB
BOB LEBLANC

David writes:

Hello Bob, We are interested in an appraisal.
What would that value represent? Our re-sale or the amount that you would possibly purchase it for. When would you like to do the appraisal?
The painting is here in our office.
Our office is located at: ____________

Bob writes:

Hi, and thanks.

The value I put on the cert is based on submitting it to an insurance company for replacement, so I fix the number at approximate fair retail plus about 50 % or more.

But I also inform you of liquid value (my buy price), fair wholesale, fair retail asking price and fair retail settlement sale price in a separate email.

In your case, as in many I have done, I don't need to physically inspect it unless I'm going to buy it and lay out cash. I can tell it's a legit piece at this point from the images, which are excellent.

I'll probably ask you a few questions regarding the condition, signed lower left or right, whatever makes sense.............

I know it seems like a lot of numbers, five different, but they all make sense in a buy and sell market.

If you think that'll work for your needs, send me a check to:

Bob LeBlanc, ----------my address-------------

Let me know.

BOB LEBLANC