The value is exactly what a willing buyer would give to a willing seller. If you don't agree with the offer, find a more willing buyer to get the value up. If it is a one-of-a-kind, or nearly so, your best bet is an appraiser. Bring your documentation to prove your case.
This applies to ANY item, whether a violin or a bolt.
As far as "wasting time", each gave time on their own terms. You wasted no one's.
Time to get back to my violin, er, 'bolt...
Bill
