Antiques & Residential Content Appraisal in Seattle
Leading Antique Appraisers
McAllister/Fossum Appraisal Services has been a leading independent appraisal firm of antiques and residential contents in Seattle and throughout the Pacific Northwest for more than 30 years. We operate independently of any auction house or dealer and specialize in confidential and objective appraisal services and advice. The first step of any appraisal is to identify the intended use, and we provide a variety of appraisal types, including estate tax and estate distribution, non-cash charitable contribution (donation), insurance, insurance claim or damage/loss, equitable distribution, bankruptcy, and advice on the acquisition or sale of antiques and residential contents.
Gorham Silver, King Edward pattern (sterling, 1936, no monograms)
What are Residential Contents?
Residential continents is a term used to describe the typical furniture and furnishings within and around your home. It may be the case that there is no single item or group of items that has significant value, but the aggregate of all the contents create a value that must be determined.
Personal & Residential Items We Appraise
We appraise a variety of objects that fall into the category of antiques and residential contents, including furniture, silverware, silver hollowware, china, crystal, figurines, memorabilia, books, lighting, mirrors, collectibles, glassware, coins, and many others. If you have any questions about whether we are qualified to appraised a particular item, please contact us.
Regency, Dutch bombe commode or chest, 1800, mahogany, inlay stainwood, marquetry tulipwood, 34 x 44-1/2 x 24 inches
Our Appraisal Process
The appraisal process begins with a discussion with our clients to determine the intended use and scope of the objects to be appraised. The valuation approach is then determined, and an onsite inspection is arranged to examine, measure, and photograph each item. Next, an estimated fee is given based on the hours of work anticipated to complete the assignment and the type of appraisal needed. The value of each object is researched based on comparable sales using selected online databases and gallery and auction listings, as well as academic resources.
Third-Party Objective Appraisals
Unlike auctioneers or resale dealers, we are a disinterested third party and appraisal professionals that have no desire to purchase or profit from your items. Our service is focused on providing a third-party, independent valuation, and our fees are the same regardless of the value of your items.
Accredited Reporting
We write our antiques and residential contents appraisal reports according to the rules and guidelines of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices (USPAP) set by the Appraisal Foundation, which is based in Washington D.C. Erin Fossum is an Accredited Member of the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) and follows the report writing guidelines and ethics that are imperative to writing quality appraisal reports. Our appraisal reports are accepted and respected by federal and state government agencies and courts of law. We have conducted hundreds of estate tax appraisals that have been submitted to the IRS and have never had a report questioned. We have conducted hundreds of equitable distribution appraisals that have been used and accepted in legal venues. Antiques experts, attorneys and insurance companies consistently advise their clients to make sure when hiring an appraiser that they are a member in good standing of an organization such as the International Society of Appraisers (ISA), the Appraisers Association of America (AAA), or the American Society of Appraisers (ASA).
