How can I get an original 18Th. century print Authenticated, and Appraised for it's Value?

Question

I Need some amigo money to pay off my house, and have decided to sell what I am positive is an Original hand painted color Print by Ben Franklin which bears his printed signature.

I Tried contacting Antique road show, and there people, no luck

Does any one have any suggestions here?

I placed this question in the History column rather than arts because I feel this document holds great significance to history, as it is encoded with in-depth sophisticated codes, even with in the picture of Ben Franklin of which the printing is as fine as our currency.

Answer 1

Appraisal is costly. Also, it might be a good idea to show it first to your local antique shop or arts museum in order to ensure that the print is worth having appraised in the first place.
There are hundred of thousands, if not several million prints from the 18th century currently in circulation. Also their price varies enormously, from a few buck to several thousand dollars, depending on teh artist, condition, rarity, etc.
Another problem is that printers would normally make copies of prints made by their competitors if a given print was successful. Because they might have been made round about the same period as the original and that they occasionaly can be of very high quality, it is sometimes almost impossible to tell an original from a period forgery. Also, my advice would be to show it to your local museum, antique shop or auction house first in order to be 100% what you're dealing with before you have the print apraised. Auction houses also nornally employ experts who will be able to point you in the right direction if you find the print is worth having apraised.
I hope this helps.
Best,
f.

Answer 2

I would contact a local museum and ask them if they know of a legitimate art appraiser.

Answer 3

http://eppraisal.com/