About Martin Willis
Over 55 Years of Experience in Fine Art, Antiques, Decorative Arts & Professional Appraisals
Martin Willis is a second-generation antique and fine art professional with more than 55 years of experience in the auction, appraisal, and antiques industries. As owner and principal appraiser of Seaboard Appraisals, he provides independent, professionally researched valuations of fine art, antiques, decorative arts, and personal property for estates, trusts, insurance, charitable contributions, equitable distribution, and other purposes.
Throughout his career, Martin has examined, researched, and evaluated tens of thousands of objects, from individual family heirlooms to important fine art collections and the contents of major estates. His extensive firsthand knowledge of the auction marketplace provides a valuable foundation for developing well-supported opinions of value.
A Lifetime in the Fine Art & Antiques Business
Martin’s involvement in the antiques and auction business began with his father, Morgan Willis, who established Seaboard Auction Gallery in New England. Continuing the family tradition, Martin eventually acquired and operated the gallery before pursuing additional opportunities in the national fine art and auction industry.
His professional background includes serving as Director of Decorative Arts at James D. Julia Auctioneers and holding a senior position with Clars Auction Gallery in California.
These experiences provided extensive exposure to American and European fine art, period furniture, decorative arts, historical objects, and significant private collections.
Having worked directly in the auction marketplace for decades, Martin brings an understanding of market behavior, collecting trends, provenance, condition, rarity, and quality to his appraisal assignments.
Significant Estates & Collections
Over the course of his career, Martin has been entrusted with important private estates, institutional collections, and historically significant property.
His professional assignments have included:
- Merv Griffin Estate: Exclusive appraiser of the television personality’s estate, including personal property at his California residences.
- Tom Snyder Estate: Estate appraisal work for the noted television journalist and talk show host.
- Josiah Bartlett Estate Collection: Auctioneer for the 1989 sale associated with Josiah Bartlett, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
- Major Private & Institutional Collections: Appraisal and valuation work involving important collections of fine art, antiques, and decorative arts.
These assignments reflect the breadth of Martin’s experience and his familiarity with the special requirements of substantial estates and collections.
Professional Appraisal Expertise
Today, Martin concentrates on independent appraisal services for attorneys, estate executors, trustees, collectors, insurance professionals, and individuals requiring documented opinions of value.
His primary areas of experience include:
- American and European fine art
- Contemporary paintings and sculpture
- American and European period furniture
- Mid-century modern and Danish modern furniture
- Decorative arts and objets d’art
- American and European silver
- Porcelain, pottery, ceramics, and art glass
- Historical documents, manuscripts, and memorabilia
- Antiques, collectibles, and significant personal property collections
For specialized objects or collections outside his principal areas of expertise, Martin maintains professional relationships with knowledgeable specialists in numerous collecting fields.
Written appraisal reports are prepared in accordance with applicable Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) requirements, with attention to the intended use, appropriate definition of value, and relevant market evidence.
Professional Affiliations & Recognition
Martin has been actively involved in numerous professional, educational, and collecting organizations throughout his career.
His past affiliations and service include:
- Board Member, National Auctioneers Association
- Vice President and Board Member, New Hampshire Auctioneers Association
- Charter Member, Board of Directors, National Antiques Council
- Board Member, American Decorative Arts Forum of Northern California
- Recognition in Who’s Who in America
His participation in these organizations reflects a longstanding commitment to professional involvement and the study and appreciation of antiques and decorative arts.
Published Work, Lectures & Education
In addition to his appraisal and auction experience, Martin has been a lecturer, writer, and contributor to publications devoted to antiques and collecting.
His work has included:
- Writing the What’s It Worth? column for the Sunday San Francisco Chronicle
- Contributing to Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles, including the lamp and glass section
- Contributions to Antique Trader and WorthPoint
- Lectures and educational presentations for historical societies, museums, collecting organizations, and other institutions
Throughout his career, Martin has shared his knowledge with collectors, institutions, and members of the public, emphasizing the importance of understanding quality, authenticity, history, and market value.
The Antique Auction Forum Podcast
In 2009, Martin Willis founded The Antique Auction Forum, a podcast dedicated to antiques, fine art, collecting, auction markets, and the fascinating stories behind historical objects.
With more than 200 episodes, the program features conversations with auctioneers, appraisers, dealers, collectors, historians, and other industry professionals. Topics range from important auction discoveries and changing market trends to the identification, appreciation, and preservation of antiques and fine art.
Through the podcast, Martin continues to share his lifelong passion for antiques and collecting while exploring the evolving marketplace and the people who help shape it.
Visit The Antique Auction Forum Podcast
Independent Appraisals Informed by Real Market Experience
A distinguishing feature of Seaboard Appraisals is the combination of decades of firsthand auction-market experience and independent professional appraisal methodology.
Appraisal assignments involve careful examination, appropriate research, analysis of comparable sales and relevant market conditions, and a clearly supported conclusion of value.
Whether evaluating a single important artwork or an extensive estate collection, Martin approaches each assignment with the same commitment to accuracy, objectivity, and professional judgment.
Seaboard Appraisals is an independent, fee-based appraisal practice and does not conduct estate sales or property liquidation.
Geographic Service Areas
Based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and the Bluffton–Hilton Head region of South Carolina, Seaboard Appraisals serves clients throughout New England, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Travel for significant estates, private collections, and specialized appraisal assignments is available by arrangement.
Contact Martin Willis
For professional appraisal services involving fine art, antiques, decorative arts, estates, or significant personal property collections, please contact Seaboard Appraisals to discuss your requirements.
Martin Willis — Owner & Principal Appraiser