Services
Appraisal Services
Free Pre-Appraisal Consultation
Free Pre-Appraisal Consultation: we review the collection of items that are being considered for an appraisal. This can be done either with digital photos, or an on-site inspection. Upon reviewing the collection, we can then recommend the most appropriate appraisal for our client.
Estate Tax Appraisals
We work with a variety of Estate executors and attorneys to provide Fair Market Value appraisals that are fully researched with relevant market comparables from auction houses, estate sales or consignment shops. Typically, the turn-around time is four to six weeks, although some appraisals can be completed in as little as one week.
Insurance Appraisals
These appraisals can protect against a loss in the event of theft, flood or fire. Retail Replacement Values are used in these appraisals and are researched using recent sales comparables from galleries, retail shops and private dealers.
In the event of a divorce, the dispersement of assets in an estate, or the dissolution of a business, it is often necessary to have an appraisal of the art collection as part of the process. For these appraisals, we use Marketable Cash Value, which factors in the fees associated with selling personal property at auction or through a gallery.
Equitable Distribution
Gift Tax Appraisals
Donations to museums or other charitable organizations are accepted by the IRS for tax deductions, but a thoroughly researched appraisal report is necessary in order to receive this tax benefit. These appraisals are based on Fair Market Values as of the date of the donation.
These appraisals are often required by insurance companies after an unfortunate event has occurred. We provide valuations for artwork or objects that have suffered damage and provide the valuation in its current state as well as the expected retail value following restoration.
Damage and Loss Appraisals
Advisory
Very often our clients are interested in offering certain items for sale. We work with our clients to find the best venue for their collection such as an auction house, gallery or private buyer.
Selling
Buying
We work closely with new collectors who are just starting out, and we provide advice to seasoned connoisseurs who are looking to enter a part of the art market that is unfamiliar to them. In both situations, we present our clients with options that are catered to their goals and timeline. We are located in the heart of the Chelsea art gallery district and we are available for walking tours of the area.
Very often our clients require assistance managing their collections. We will make recommendations on which database software would work best for your collection, or we will work with the program you are currently using. In addition, we provide recommendations for conservation, framing, installation, loan logistics, and storage.
Collection Management