Professional Appraisal Services
Fine Art, Antiques, Decorative Arts & Personal Property
Independent, USPAP-Compliant Appraisals | Over 55 Years of Experience
Seaboard Appraisals, under the direction of Martin Willis, provides independent, professionally researched appraisals of fine art, antiques, decorative arts, and personal property for estates, trusts, insurance, charitable contributions, equitable distribution, and other valuation purposes.
With more than 55 years of experience in the fine art, antiques, and auction industries, Martin brings extensive firsthand market knowledge to each appraisal assignment. His background includes senior positions with nationally recognized auction houses and the evaluation of significant private and estate collections.
Appraisals are supported by relevant market research, comparable sales analysis, and established professional valuation methodology. Written reports are prepared in accordance with the applicable Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Our Appraisal Specialties
Estate & Probate Appraisals
We provide fair market value appraisals for estate settlement, probate proceedings, estate tax reporting, and trust administration.
These assignments frequently require retrospective valuations based on the fair market value of property as of the decedent’s date of death. Reports are prepared with consideration for applicable legal and tax requirements and the specific intended use of the appraisal.
We regularly work with estate attorneys, executors, trustees, accountants, and family representatives.
Fine Art Appraisals
Professional valuations of American, European, and contemporary fine art, including paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, and other works on paper.
Appraisals may be undertaken for estate settlement, insurance coverage, charitable donations, equitable distribution, or collection management.
Our research considers the artist’s market, provenance, condition, comparable auction transactions, and other relevant factors affecting value.
Antiques & Decorative Arts Appraisals
We appraise a broad range of antiques, decorative arts, and collectible property, including:
- American and European period furniture
- Fine silver and metalwork
- Porcelain, pottery, and ceramics
- Art glass and decorative glass
- Historical artifacts and documents
- Decorative objects and furnishings
- Antique and collectible objects
Specialized expertise may be engaged when an assignment involves particularly complex or unusual property.
Insurance Replacement Value Appraisals
Insurance appraisals provide documented opinions of replacement value to assist owners and insurers in establishing appropriate coverage for valuable personal property.
Assignments may include individual works of fine art, antiques, decorative arts, and significant private collections.
Unlike fair market value appraisals, insurance replacement value assignments consider the applicable replacement market and the requirements of the intended insurance use.
Fair Market Value Appraisals
Fair market value appraisals are frequently required for estate settlement, trust administration, family distributions, charitable contributions, and other circumstances where an objective opinion of value is needed.
We research relevant markets and comparable transactions to develop independent, well-supported valuations appropriate to the assignment.
Charitable Donation Appraisals
We provide appraisals of fine art, antiques, and personal property for charitable contributions, including qualified appraisals when the assignment and appraiser meet applicable Internal Revenue Service requirements.
Litigation Support & Expert Witness Services
Martin Willis provides independent appraisal consultation, valuation analysis, and expert witness services in matters involving fine art, antiques, and personal property.
Expert opinions are grounded in professional experience, market research, and objective analysis.
Our role is to provide credible, impartial opinions of value, without advocacy for a predetermined outcome.
Specialized Collections
In addition to his broad experience with fine art, antiques, and decorative arts, Martin maintains professional relationships with specialists in numerous collecting fields.
When appropriate, qualified colleagues may be consulted or engaged for assignments involving jewelry, coins, stamps, Asian art, rare books, ethnographic material, and other specialized property.
Professional Appraisal Fees
Appraisal fees are determined by the scope, complexity, research requirements, and estimated time involved in each assignment.
Following an initial discussion of your appraisal needs, we can outline the anticipated scope of work, fee structure, and scheduling requirements.
Appraisal fees are not contingent upon the appraised value or the outcome of the assignment.
Experience Supported by Modern Technology
Seaboard Appraisals combines over 55 years of fine art and auction-market experience with advanced professional appraisal software, providing detailed photographic documentation, organized comparable-sales research, and professionally formatted reports. Every valuation reflects independent professional judgment supported by relevant market evidence. SAMPLE APPRAISAL ITEM
Geographic Service Areas
Seaboard Appraisals serves clients throughout New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Georgia.
With a presence in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and the Bluffton–Hilton Head area of South Carolina, we accommodate assignments in both New England and the Southeast.
Travel for substantial collections and specialized assignments is available by arrangement.
Contact Us
Whether you require an appraisal of an individual work of art, a substantial private collection, or personal property comprising an entire estate, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your requirements.
Martin Willis — Seaboard Appraisals
Phone: (603) 600-1943 (978) 228-9415
Email: martin@seaboardappraisals.com
