The problem is that you are only looking at what was recorded; not necessarily what was done. As far as I can tell -- my research is mostly colonial -- with the exception of the will and bond, the executors/administrators selected what to record. -----Original Message----- From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kimberly Burnette-Dean Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2004 7:34 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [VA-HIST] Estate Inventories Hello, I have been conducting some research using estate inventories that date from 1780-1860 in Virginia. Can anyone tell me what determined whether or not an appraisement and sale was done on any given individual's estate? Originally, I thought that perhaps if someone died without having a will that an appraisement would be done, but then I began to notice that some folks had wills, appraisements, and sale bills, while some folks didn't have a will, but had appraisements and sale bills. If anyone could help me figure this out, I would greatly appreciate it! Kimberly Burnette-Dean Lead Historical Interpreter Virginia's Explore Park P.O. Box 8508 Roanoke, VA 24014 540-427-1800, ext 330 [log in to unmask] www.explorepark.org P.O. Box 8508 Roanoke, VA 24014 540-427-1800, ext 330 [log in to unmask] To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html