/biz/ - Business & Finance

A man who owns a small antique shop contacted me with some photos of a piece he had recently been consigned (I’m purposely omitting details of what it is because it’s very specific/niche). He asked me for some input on value and if I would be interested in buying it.

From the photos I thought it was genuine but wasn’t positive, so I sent them to an expert and he concurred that it looked fine but would need to handle it in person.

I drove to the shop and we didn’t discuss value. We talked a little bit about the piece but he did not ask if it was authentic and I didn’t offer an opinion. I asked him “What amount would make your consignor happy?” And he answered “$400.” I wrote a check and now own it.

To make a long story short, I’ve now been offered 100k for it. I’m frightened that if the antique dealer becomes aware (or the consignor), they will sue me. I never offered an opinion on value or authenticity and they set the price. Am I paranoid for nothing?

JUST