In the world of antiques, every object carries a story. Coats of arms are among the most powerful and valuable clues an antique dealer can uncover. These heraldic symbols are not purely decorative; they provide verifiable links to families, institutions, regions, and historical moments. Being able to correctly identify the coats of arms can transform an ordinary object into one of real importance and value.
An antique dealer acquires an 18th-century silver tray. The hallmark confirms the place and year of manufacture, as well as the silversmith, but nothing indicates for whom the piece was made. However, a coat of arms is engraved on the tray.
By using Webaldic, the antique dealer immediately identifies the coat of arms as belonging to a noble family connected to a high-ranking official of the period.
This single piece of information:
- Precisely establishes the origin of the piece.
- Transforms a simple “antique tray” into an identifiable aristocratic commission.
- Significantly increases the object's market value.
This discovery enables the antique dealer to present the piece to his clients with a complete, verifiable, and credible history.
Impact for professional users
1. Authenticate items with confidence
A correctly identified coat of arms can confirm provenance. A “likely 18th-century piece” becomes a documented object linked to a specific noble household or historical figure and is therefore a much more attractive piece.
2. Unlock higher valuation opportunities
When an item is connected to a prominent family or event, its desirability - and value - can increase dramatically. Recognising the coat of arms is often the key to unlocking that value.
3. Build trust with collectors
Serious buyers appreciate antique dealers who can tell the full story behind an object - the "when, how, who and why". Knowledge of heraldry demonstrates expertise, diligence, and professionalism.
4. Combine hallmarks with coats of arms for a perfect identification
A hallmark provides vital information about when and where the object was made and by which silversmith. A coat of arms tells you for whom or by whom it was commissioned. By combining both sources, the dealer achieves a complete identification and has a much more valuable object.
Example of an unidentified coat of arms on a piece of silverware, along with Webaldic's solution
A nice piece, without a doubt, but with a solid identification, it becomes a nice piece with a verified history and a far more valuable object.
Results found in Webaldic
Johann Karl Freiherr von Rummel x Rosina Dorothea, geb. Freiin von Podewils