How much would it cost me, in the greater Los Angeles area, to have
three Japanese prints from the 18th & 19th Centuries professionally
appraised, i.e., determine their approximate value if sold today?  And
how should I sell them?

Hi Topanga -

There are many ways to appriase these prints professionally appraised,
and many 'types' of appraisals.

For instance, there are insurance appraisals, market appraisals,
auction appraisals, fair market appraisals, liquidation value and ...
well, you get the picture.

In answer to your question, professional certified appraisers usually
charge $250 an hour in the Los Angeles Area. And then there is the
matter of finding buyers would be interested in acquiring them for the
appraisal value.

Butterfields is also a trusted and respected method of buying and
selling art and collectibles which both sellers and buyers/collectors
recommend.

The Butterfields site is at http://www.butterfields.com/

Information on their Asian section, including your Japanese prints is
at:
http://www.butterfields.com/areas/asian_main.html

They have Asian art auctions twice a year, as you can see from the
site.

Butterfields offers free appraisals for auction and/or fair market
value, their
schedule is listed here:

http://www.butterfields.com/auction/calendar/calendar.html

I have used Butterfields for both buying and selling art and have
always been happy with their professionalism, knowledge and the
helpful people. I did not feel that I was taken advantage of, and the
prices I got for my art (cowboy art - not real popular at this time)
were really fair.

If nothing else, take your prints to one of their auction appraisal
events. The appraisals are free and you can get an accurate idea of
the fair market value of your prints. Their next appraisal event will
be on January 29th, 9:30-12:30 at:

Butterfields
7601 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Tel (323) 850-7500

Other scheduled appraisal events are here:

http://www.butterfields.com/auction/events/events.html

This will at least give you reasonable ideas of what they're worth.
The Butterfields personnel are also genuine in telling you the best
way to sell your items if you ask.

If the Butterfields route isn't your cup of tea, there is the
appraisal/ sale/ gallery/ agent approach, which takes longer by virtue
of setting up the appraisal, an agent or gallery who would want to
take the work on consignment, and then finding the buyer who would be
interested in purchasing your prints at the price you want. As a rule,
agents and independant appraisers charge a bit more and their
percentage may be higher.

A list of appraisers in your area can be found here:
http://www.worldartantiques.com/appraisers-CA_LosAngeles.htm

Hope this helps, and good luck!
Serenata