Like most collectable markets, the problem of fakes, forgeries and misdescription has unfortunately, impacted the vintage and rare guitar market.
We have advised clients, usually private collectors, on two particular instruments with a combined value of £560,000, both of which we correctly advised as not being genuine or as purported to be.
We have also provided authentication pre- litigation support to a private collector concerning a rare and high value instrument he had purchased.
We further provided pre-litigation mediation between a private client collector and an auction house on fair value for an instrument that had had extensive restoration work not described in the auction catalogue.
Whilst we suggest that such pre-litigation authentication and mediation is always preferable to court action; should the issue of litigation arise Guitar Valuation Services can provide expert reports, consultancy or if required expert witness testimony concerning the authenticity or value of individual instruments in accordance with Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules.
