Architectural Antiques Inventory Guide for Insurance Claims and Policy Coverage
Architectural antiques—salvaged elements from historic buildings—are not only valuable for their craftsmanship and historical significance but also for the character they add to homes and other structures. Whether you’re restoring a historic property or adding unique elements to your home, these pieces can carry significant value.
Properly documenting them and ensuring they are covered under the right insurance policy is crucial for protecting these often irreplaceable items.
What Are Architectural Antiques?
Architectural antiques refer to salvaged pieces from older buildings that are often used to restore or enhance modern homes. These items range from intricate woodwork and stone carvings to stained glass windows and antique ironwork. Their value comes from their craftsmanship, rarity, and the historical significance of the building or era they come from. Many pieces are one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable, making proper insurance coverage essential.
Importance of Appraisals for Architectural Antiques
Given their unique nature, architectural antiques require professional appraisals to determine their true market value. The value of these items depends on factors like the period, style, material, condition, and provenance (the history of the item’s origin). Appraisals ensure that you are accurately insured, preventing potential gaps in coverage that could lead to financial loss.
Depreciation and Architectural Antiques
Unlike typical household items, architectural antiques do not depreciate. In fact, many of these items appreciate in value over time due to their rarity and historical significance. Traditional insurance policies may not account for the appreciation of architectural antiques, which is why it’s important to have specialized insurance coverage that reflects the appreciating value of these items.
Ensuring Proper Coverage for Architectural Antiques
Specialized Insurance Policies: Ensure your architectural antiques are covered under a specialized insurance policy or add an Endorsement (rider) to your existing homeowners’ policy. This ensures the items are insured for their full market value without being subject to depreciation.
Agreed Value Coverage: Opt for agreed value coverage where you and the insurer agree on the value of each item upfront. This guarantees that in the event of loss or damage, you will receive the agreed-upon amount without dispute.
Document and Photograph: Keep a detailed inventory of your architectural antiques, including high-resolution photographs, descriptions, measurements, and any provenance or historical documentation. This will simplify the insurance claims process and provide valuable proof of ownership.
Regular Appraisals: Architectural antiques may appreciate over time, so it’s important to have them appraised every 3-5 years. This ensures your insurance coverage remains up-to-date and reflects any changes in the market value of these items.
Comprehensive List of Architectural Antiques
Below is a categorized list of architectural antiques to help you inventory and manage your collection for insurance purposes.
Doors & Door Hardware
Antique barn doors
Cast iron Door Knockers
Carved wood entry doors
Colonial-era Hinges
Early American door latches
French double doors
Gothic-style iron hinges
Hand-carved wooden doors
Industrial sliding doors
Ornate brass door Handles
Period door frames
Victorian Transom windows
Wrought Iron door grills
Windows & Stained Glass
Art Nouveau stained glass panels
Art Deco frosted windows
Bay Window frames
Church stained glass windows
Georgian-style Sash windows
Gothic revival stained glass
Leaded glass windows
Rose window frames
Steel-framed factory windows
Tiffany-style stained glass inserts
Victorian etched glass windows
Window shutters with iron hardware
Fireplaces & Mantels
Art Deco Marble mantels
Cast iron fireplace inserts
Colonial wood mantels
French limestone fireplaces
Gothic revival stone mantels
Marble hearths
Victorian cast iron fire surrounds
Wood-burning stove enclosures
Wrought iron firebacks
Brass fireplace tool sets
Andirons from the 1800s
Columns & Pillars
Corinthian columns
Cast iron porch pillars
Decorative wood columns
Egyptian revival obelisks
Fluted stone columns
Georgian balustrades
Gothic stone pillars
Ironwork porch supports
Marble columns with capital
Victorian-era wooden pillars
Lighting & Chandeliers
Art Deco chandeliers
Brass wall sconces
Crystal Chandelier from the 1800s
Early electric Pendant lights
Gas-powered Victorian lighting fixtures
Gothic revival lanterns
Iron candelabra chandeliers
Leaded glass light fixtures
Mission-style lanterns
Stained glass pendant lamps
Woodwork & Molding
Carved wooden corbels
Crown Molding from the 19th century
Dentil molding
Georgian Wainscoting panels
Hand-carved wooden newel Posts
Oak fireplace mantels
Paneled wood walls
Rococo-style wood Trim
Shaker-style baseboards
Victorian gingerbread trim
Ironwork & Railings
Art Deco iron gates
Cast iron Staircase balusters
Forged iron window guards
Gothic wrought iron gates
Hand-forged iron curtain rods
Industrial iron railing
Iron fencing with finials
Victorian balcony railings
Wrought iron garden gates
Wrought iron staircase railing
Tiles & Flooring
Art Nouveau floor tiles
Checkerboard marble flooring
Hand-painted ceramic tiles
Herringbone wood Parquet Flooring
Hexagonal encaustic tiles
Limestone flooring from a historic building
Moroccan zellige tiles
Reclaimed barn wood flooring
Terrazzo flooring tiles
Victorian mosaic floor tiles
Brackets, Shelves, & Corbels
Cast iron wall brackets
Carved stone corbels
Classical wood brackets
French wrought iron shelf brackets
Georgian wood corbels
Iron corbels for countertops
Limestone corbels
Mahogany wall brackets
Marble shelf supports
Victorian wood brackets for shelves
Architectural Salvage
Balconies from French townhouses
Cast iron window surrounds
Chimney pots
Gargoyles from gothic buildings
Medieval stone archways
Period brass light switches
Plaster Ceiling medallions
Roof finials
Stone garden fountains
Terra cotta roof tiles
Wrap-Up: Protecting Your Architectural Antiques
Architectural antiques are often irreplaceable and valuable, making it crucial to have the right insurance coverage. By ensuring proper documentation, appraisals, and choosing the right coverage (such as agreed value policies), you can safeguard your architectural pieces against damage or theft.
With the right preparation, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that these beautiful, historical elements are protected.