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McAllister/Fossum Seattle Appraisal Services
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Northwest Coast Native & Alaskan Native Art Appraisal

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Leading Native Art Appraisers

McAllister/Fossum Appraisal Services has been a leading independent appraisal firm of Northwest Coast and Alaskan Native art in Seattle and throughout the Pacific Northwest for more than 10 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 Northwest Coast and Alaskan Native art.

Kwakwaka'wakw, Hamatsa Cannibal Bird Mask

Kwakwaka'wakw, Hamatsa Cannibal Bird Mask, 1983, cedar and cedar bark, 38" long, Alert Bay, B.C.

10+ Years of Experience

As part of her research for her M.A. degree in Art History at the University of Washington completed in 2009, Erin Fossum studied Northwest Coast Native American art and artifacts, as well as Alaskan Native art and artifacts. These graduate studies and further research throughout Erin’s 10+ year appraisal career include the appraisal of wood carvings, masks, pottery, baskets, stone and ivory carvings, and other media such as paintings, sculptures, prints and works on paper. Galleries and museums specializing in Northwest Coast and Alaskan Native art consistently recommend Erin as one of the best and most qualified appraisers of these items in the country.

Kellypalik Etidloie (Inuit), Owl Bird, serpentine stone, 4-3/4 x 9 x 5-1/2 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, exhibitions, provenance, and catalogue raisonne research.

Susan Point, Salish Spirit (Thunderbird VI), 2003, serigraph on paper, 26-1/2 x 26 inches

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. If you have any questions about whether we are qualified to appraised a particular item, please contact us.

Accredited Independent Reports

We write our Northwest Coast and Alaskan Native art 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 completed 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).

Erin G. Fossum, MA

Accredited Appraiser

Erin specializes in appraising fine art, antiques & residential contents. She offers appraisals for a variety of purposes, including insurance, estates, donations and divorce.

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