One of the most delightful experiences, so far, in my brief development as an art collector has been Mr. Radfar's at home appraisal of my collection. He has seen some of the greatest art collections in Chicago--a city rich with great art. Mine humbled in comparison, but I benefited greatly from his advice, and I felt empowered to build a powerfully impressive home gallery. Mr. Radfar will impress you with his refinement and dignity. He has all the bearings of a highly cultured man. He is, in fact, a renaissance man, with background in science, business, and art. When he talks about the work on the walls, he doesn't talk exclusively about technique--although, he considers it. He talks about investment. He explained to me, very clearly, but very kindly, that some of my work, though technically lovely, was not worth much market value, and great technique was not a dependable measure of future market value. I think this is something most art lovers reluctantly acknowledge--especially if we know any great artist who struggles and starves to paint, draw, print or mold. However, building a good collection requires a good eye for art, but, also business minded outlook. I was not disappointed when Mr. Radfar told me, honestly, that he may write a report on any individual piece in my collection. I had been seeking that report to submit to my insurance agency. He explained, very fairly, that compiling such a report was very expensive. If, after the research, I would gain no advantage from it, he considered it bad business to take advantage. Ultimately, that may help him retain me as a client. I was grateful because it was my fear that the cost of the appraisal would trump the value of my collection. Moreover, I had been collecting without a strategy, and he helped me focus my efforts so that I could feel confident that my purchases were investments. After the MIR staff researched my art, they found that some pieces were of surprising value. Mr. Radfar called and said, "I was wrong." It is so rare that man says anything like this, that I was taken aback :) I appreciated how diligent he and his staff were despite their initial misgivings, and they wrote me a wonderfully detailed report to submit to my insurance agent. I advise anyone with art in her home to contact MIR. I was afraid, initially, because my home is not the front gallery of the Art Institute, but I felt very respected during the process. It was an honor to meet Mr. Radfar for a million reasons, not the least of which was his guidance in shopping art for investment. Even if he finds no piece of high value in a collection, his consultation will provide focus for the collector, and the portfolio will grow in value as a result. read more

As trustee of my mother's estate, I needed an appraisal company to help with determining the values of a variety of paintings, collectibles and jewelry within my mother's home for the purpose of equitable distribution amount her children. I had previously contacted some other companies. Some never responded to my inquiry, another did respond, but after viewing some pictures I sent, never got back to me. MIR responded promptly to my initial email inquiry, and promptly to all my subsequent questions. Mr. Radfar called me and discussed what I needed from his company. The cost of $700 seemed fair to me based on my research of other appraisal company fees. For that fee, Mr. Radfar came out to my mother's home and spent 3 hours going through the entire house looking at all the items. I needed someone to give me an idea of what had value and what did not and I got exactly that, plus a lot of information. Mr. Radfar was extremely knowledgable and helpful. He gave values on the spot of some items and provided me with additional resources to do research into some of the collectibles that were not particularly valuable but we wanted an estimate anyway. He also noted that we should look through the extensive book and record collection as there might be signed copies. Sure enough, the first book I opened, was a signed first edition. When I later researched the book, it had value of over $1000! I was just going to sell the books at an estate sale or give them away. Not now! As trustee I need to work in the best interest of all the beneficiaries in the most fair and equitable manner possible. The information provided to me by Mr. Radar will be extremely beneficial as I work toward dividing and selling the contents within my mother's home. read more

I had an old picture of Abraham Lincoln I bought at an antique that I thought might be worth something. I couldn't find anything on the internet on the artist, so I thought I'd bring it in. From my research of appraisers I decided on MIR because of the positive reviews and their web-site story; plus they had an office in Burr Ridge, which is a lot closer to my house than Chicago. I made an appointment and met with Mr. Radfar, his associate Rachelle Wakeman and two interns. My whole experience was not only professional, but nice and easy-going. The kind I would go out and have a drink with. Through their vast database they were able to find the artist and through their extensive inspection of the painting came to the opinion that the painting was a copy of a Norman Rockwell of the same painting. This makes sense, since I doubt a Rockwell would copy a painting. The appraisal was a bargain, at $140. I found the painting was at least worth a little more than I paid for it. I still love the painting. Like I said, a fun group, as well extremely knowledgeable. I would not hesitate to be their customer again if I find another neat painting. Scott F. Downers Grove read more

We recently moved/downsized to a condominium in Chicago and contacted MIR Apraisal Services to appraise several pieces of antique furniture and rugs, silver, a painting, and other items. MIR, in the person of Farhad (the owner) and Robert, responded promptly and courteously to our request. They were thorough and knowledgeable and provided invaluable and reassuring assistance to us throughout the difficult and stressful process of deciding what to take with us to our new home and how to dispose of those items that we were unable to accommodate. On the initial visit to look over what we had, Farhad identified a small rug and an oil painting that he felt deserved further examination. We accepted his recommendation that they be restored and cleaned and then appraised. Both turned out to be of some value and now have a prominent location in our new home. Without Farhad's intervention, we would probably have donated them to a local charity and been none the wiser for the treasures we had. We were extremely pleased and satisfied with MIR and recommend them without reservation. read more

Mr. Radfar and his staff provided excellent services and I would recommend them without hesitation. Mr. Radfar takes the time to understand precisely what is needed as part of the appraisal process. He is respectful of your possessions regardless of their monetary worth. He will discuss costs and any time constraints you might have with the appraisal process. He will meet his obligation to deadlines which was important in my case. All of the staff are professional in manner and easy to work with. Frequent updates about the appraisal process are given without prompting. The appraisals are done in a timely manner and documentation is of the highest quality. I will continue to use Mir Appraisal Service for future needs. - D.Misch read more

I was in town to settle my grandfather's estate recently. We had to choose an appraiser to evaluate his art collection. Per our attorney's advice we interviewed a few qualified appraisers and decided to use Mir Appraisal Services and I must admit that they performed their job professionally from start to finish. I recommend their services and also to visit their office before you make a decision. They are a group of well educated researchers and very qualified appraisers. read more

Everyone at MIR was so helpful. I brought in several pieces of art and they did the background research on the artists and genre and provided me with valuable information, including appraisals. They suggested one piece be restored and they were able to provide this service as well as framing suggestions for a very reasonable price. My Warhol poster looks like new. My artwork may be priceless to me, but it has certainly gained real value thanks to Farhad and his staff. read more

I used MIR to provide an appraisal for tax purposes for an art donation to a museum. I had interactions with both Mr. Radfar and Ms. Barnebee. Both individuals impressed me as highly ethical and competent experts. Both were very responsive to my questions and explained the process in understandable (...and patient!) detail. I have complete confidence that the appraisal will pass IRS "muster", and plan to use them again in the future. read more

What a wonderful experience I had with MIR Appraisals. They were helpful, kind and most of all knowledgeable. Farhad is so passionate about art and was so caring. They did their research and helped me make the best decision possible for me. I would use them again for anything I needed appraised I felt they were trust worthy which is what I was afraid of when looking for an appraiser. Make the call! read more

The professional staff at MIR was courteous and understanding while researching a piece of Art that I submitted for an opinion. The staff kept me up to date with their progress on a regular basis. From what I could tell, there use of the latest technology and their scientific approach would be the reason that I recommend this company to my freinds and colleagues. This is a 5 star company. read more

Had the opportunity to work with Mr.Radfer and his associates and it was a pleasure! They are all very knowledgeable and passionate about their work. A thorough job was done in researching and gathering information on the pieces I took in for an appraisal. Plus, one piece was restored and I couldn't have been happier. Also, their pricing seemed appropriate. Great level of customer service! read more

Mr. Radfar and his associates were professional, knowledgeable, and informative. I had a painting appraised and went to their Burr Ridge office.The company's prices seemed very fair for my verbal appraisal and if I decided to have restoration done on my painting. When I contacted the company, I was told the fee was for a verbal appraisal. read more

We had a very large sculpture from a local artist and almost no information about it. MIR quickly researched its history,etc and presented us with various options. When we could not find a new home for it they arranged at a very reasonable price to move and store it. Took the stress out of the dilemma. I highly recommend this service. read more

This is my third visit to Mir and I have to say it is well worth the trip from Florida. I have had the best experiences and I have total trust in Mir and all of their highly qualified people. Mr. Radfar and his staff not only get an "A" but they have earned my trust. William F Robinson DDS. I rate them 10 out of 10. 5 stars read more

We were delighted to find your service and the way that you handled our property with such care, professionalism.. From the first day you and your staff were courteous and went about getting the job done with the least amount of disruption. Thank you personally for the help and patience that you gave us. read more

For nine years my wife and I have contracted the services of MIR Appraisal Services for estates, art and antiques. In all of our dealings, MIR Appraisal has exceeded our expectations in service, fairness, and expertise" read more

MIR Appraisal is a first-class, outstanding firm. I had our artwork appraised and beautifully restored, thanks to the fine people at MIR appraisal. read more