Valuation Services for American and European Arts
J. Carman, Inc. offers valuation services to meet all of your personal property appraisal needs. From single-item appraisals to full estate contents valuation, we are here to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an appraisal?
An appraisal is an opinion of value based upon research of comparable objects within the most relevant market. As part of the appraisal process, an item is physically examined, measured, photographed, and researched. An appraisal is fee-based and is a formal, written document. J. Carman, Inc. appraisals are based upon the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) as set forth by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation, and with the Principles of Appraisal Practices and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Appraisers in Washington, DC.
Why might I need an appraisal?
Appraisal documents may be necessary when insuring your belongings against loss, theft, or damage, or during legal proceedings following the event of a divorce, annulment, or death. In addition, federal law requires appraisals by “qualified appraisers” on certain charitable contributions to qualifying non-profit institutions. Additionally, many clients choose to request an appraisal is to protect your assets and interests when contemplating the sale of their belongings or the acquisition of new items for their collections.
How do I know what kind of appraisal to ask for?
The type of value sought in an appraisal is a professional judgment that should be made after close consultation with your appraiser. There are as many different value types as there are reasons for having an item appraised, and an appraiser is trained to differentiate between values such as Fair Market, Liquidation, Replacement, Marketable Cash. and variations thereof. At J. Carman, Inc. valuation services are tailored to meet the individual requirements of your unique situation.
Will the appraisal you provide be accepted by a court or my insurance company?
Absolutely! Every appraisal report produced by J. Carman, Inc. is a legal document, which adheres to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by the American Society of Appraisers. The credentials of the appraaiser signing off on your appraisal will be listed, and the appraiser will be available to testify in court (for an additional fee) if required. This means that if you are having your estate appraised following the death of a loved one, the appraisal document produced will meet the legal requirements for a probate court. Similarly, if you are pursuing a tax deduction for a non-cash charitable contribution, your appraisal report will meet the current regulations of the Internal Revenue Service for non-cash charitable contributions. Jennifer N. Carman, ASA is an IRS qualified appraiser. If you require an appraisal report with the intention of utilizing it for insurance scheduling, estate planning, charitable contributions, settlements, or probate, you should engage an appraiser who produced reports that are compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Only a USPAP compliant appraiser can satisfy the stringent requirements of trust officers, the IRS, courts, and insurance underwriters.
What types of items does J. Carman, Inc. appraise?
J. Carman, Inc. specializes in the appraisal of fine and decorative American and European Arts. Currently our staff and consultants have the connoisseurship training and experience to appraise objects in the following categories:
Paintings, Drawings, Printed Works on Paper, Sculpture, Furniture, Ceramics, Silver, Textiles, Glass, Photographs, Clocks, Select Documents, Books, Toys, and Collectibles
In addition to these general specialties, Jennifer N. Carman, ASA also has documented and extensive experience appraising extraordinarily unique “difficult-to-value” items such as historic memorabilia relating to civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice. She has gained a national reputation as an expert on the artwork and crafts produced within WWII Japanese American Internment Camps. She has also appraised estate holdings of major American art and literary figures and items with distinctive or "celebrity" provenance.
Are there any items that you do not appraise?
J. Carman, Inc. will not undertake the appraisal of any item that is outside the scope of our staff or consultant’s expertise. For this reason we generally do not appraise objects of art that are not American or European in origin, nor will we appraise jewelry, gems, select militaria, firearms, taxidermy, ivory, musical instruments in working order, prehistoric artifacts, or sports memorabilia. Whenever possible, we are happy to provide referrals to other experts.
How much does an appraisal cost?
All qualified appraisers charge for services rendered. Like other professionals, appraisers base their fee schedules commensurately with other professionals in the field with similar experience, training, and skills. The charge for an appraisal is NEVER a percentage of the appraised value. The fees for J. Carman, Inc.‘s basic appraisal and consultation services are a flat hourly rate of $175 plus any travel expenses (where applicable). Initial telephone or email consultations to determine the need for an appraisal or the parameters of a potential assignment is gratis; however, J. Carman, Inc. cannot render a numerical opinion of value without invoking the USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice). This is a universal protocol for all accredited appraisers. For more information about estimated costs for your particular job, please contact us for a quote. Fees for services vary based on travel time (where applicable), the number of items you will be having appraised, and the amount of specialized research that your items require in the execution of due diligence. The minimum charge for a site visit for examination or consultation purposes is $200. The minimum fee for a written appraisal report is $800. A current fee schedule for all services including litigation support can be downloaded here: J. Carman, Inc. 2022 Schedule of Fees
Appraisal Policies
• Estimated appraisal report costs will be determined following the examination period.
• A deposit or retainer fee of an estimated 25% to 50% of total cost may be required in advance.
• For large assignments, compensation will be remitted on an as-needed draw basis.
• Refunds are not granted for services or field research time already rendered.
• In the event of court action, your lawyer will be the appraiser's client, not you.
• In court cases that require litigation support int he form of expert testimony, full payment will be made in advance to avoid any appearance that the appraiser's content of testimony or payment depends on the outcome of the case.
• A copy of any third party interviews, deposition, or courtroom transcripts will be provided to the appraiser at no cost by the retaining counsel.
• Deliberate concealment of relevant material facts on the part of a client will automatically terminate an assignment.
• Notice to auction companies: violations of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
What will the appraisal report consist of?
A finished appraisal report is a printed and bound legal reference document that your family will retain for years. An appraisal report is a defensively written formal document in which value conclusions are substantiated with credible and relevant market data in a fashion that any reasonable mind can comprehend. Such documents are crafted with due diligence and thoroughness so that the report can withstand the rigors of a legal contest. In short, finished reports include appropriate and relevant research that is organized and presented in a manner that leads readers of the report to a logical and reliable value conclusion. J. Carman, Inc. reports are bound documents including a cover page, table of contents, executive summary, introduction, catalog of subject property prepared using standards set forth by the J. Paul Getty Trust’s “Object ID”, photographs, market commentary, historic narrative and background, biographies of artists or makers, conclusion, footnotes, market comparables, bibliography, list of consulting experts, certification pages, privacy policy statement, legal terms, and, where relevant, a glossary. All appraisal reports prepared by J. Carman, Inc. are protected by copyright because they are considered intellectual property.
What are Jennifer Carman's Qualifications?
Jennifer Carman, ASA has completed rigorous training in connoisseurship and the study of appraisal theory and methodology. She holds a Master’s degree in Art History from the University of Glasgow with an emphasis on the Renaissance through the present day. She is a graduate connoisseur of Christie’s Education in London, where she studied fine arts (paintings, works on paper, sculpture) as well as decorative arts (furniture, ceramics, silver, textiles and glass). She has successfully completed coursework in appraisal theory and methodology through the Appraisers Association of America (AAA) where her work has been peer-reviewed in American Art including paintings, drawings, and sculpture. She holds a Certificate in Appraisal Studies from the State University of New York at Purchase College. Ms. Carman stays up-to-date with the current USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) regulations and guidelines, and is tested on these standards every other year by the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). The USPAP are set forth by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation in Washington, DC. Ms. Carman is an Accredited Member of the International Society of Appraisers and the Appraisers Association of America. She has successfully completed the American Society of Appraisers’ Antiques and Decorative Arts connoisseurship program, and has achieved the highest level of professional designation from that society as an "Accredited Senior Appraiser."
Aren't all appraisers accredited and tested?
Unfortunately, no. When it comes to personal property appraisers, the appraisal profession is largely unregulated, which means that anybody who calls themselves an appraiser can accept your money and issue their opinion. Examples of non-accredited appraisers typically include art or antique dealers, gallery owners, auctioneers, estate sale businesses, or jewelers. These professionals may have some experience with object values in their field, but usually do not have the formal training in connoisseurship or valuation theory and methodology (or the USPAP) necessary to deliver a legally meaningful or reliable report. You should always ask a potential appraiser where they studied or worked to gain experience and expertise with the type of object you wish them to appraise. More importantly, you should ask which professional appraisal organization(s) they belong to, and then look into the organization to see what is required to become a member. Reputable organizations will require proof of connoisseurship training as well as accreditation courses and testing in appraisal theory and methodology, along with peer review of reports. The three major organizations within the United States include the Appraiser’s Association of America (AAA), the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), and the International Society of Appraisers (ISA). Ultimately, one of the best tests of a prospective appraiser is to inquire as to whether or not they have achieved accreditation with the ASA, AAA, or ISA, and to find out if they have successfully passed the USPAP examination within the last two years. If you require an appraisal report with the intention of utilizing it for insurance scheduling, estate planning, charitable contributions, settlements, or probate, you must engage an appraiser who is compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Only a USPAP compliant appraiser can satisfy the stringent requirements of trust officers, the IRS, courts, and insurance underwriters.
What if I'm not sure whether my property is valuable enough to justify an appraisal?
J. Carman, Inc. visits with clients on a daily basis who are in this predicament. The best way to find out more about your item and its potential value is to contact us so that we can learn more about your property and your intended goals in a potential appraisal process. For clients who are "just curious" we offer a pre-appraisal consultation provided by email called an "Object Overview" for a flat fee of $85 per item. If a site visit is required to examine your property firsthand, there is a minimum charge of $200. If you choose to explore the "Object Overview" process via e-mail, be prepared to provide digital images of the front, back, and bottom (if applicable) of the item in question, along with photos of any signatures or marks. Additionally, information on the size (measurements including height, width, and depth), media, and provenance (history of ownership) would be helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an appraisal?
An appraisal is an opinion of value based upon research of comparable objects within the most relevant market. As part of the appraisal process, an item is physically examined, measured, photographed, and researched. An appraisal is fee-based and is a formal, written document. J. Carman, Inc. appraisals are based upon the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) as set forth by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation, and with the Principles of Appraisal Practices and Code of Ethics of the American Society of Appraisers in Washington, DC.
Why might I need an appraisal?
Appraisal documents may be necessary when insuring your belongings against loss, theft, or damage, or during legal proceedings following the event of a divorce, annulment, or death. In addition, federal law requires appraisals by “qualified appraisers” on certain charitable contributions to qualifying non-profit institutions. Additionally, many clients choose to request an appraisal is to protect your assets and interests when contemplating the sale of their belongings or the acquisition of new items for their collections.
How do I know what kind of appraisal to ask for?
The type of value sought in an appraisal is a professional judgment that should be made after close consultation with your appraiser. There are as many different value types as there are reasons for having an item appraised, and an appraiser is trained to differentiate between values such as Fair Market, Liquidation, Replacement, Marketable Cash. and variations thereof. At J. Carman, Inc. valuation services are tailored to meet the individual requirements of your unique situation.
Will the appraisal you provide be accepted by a court or my insurance company?
Absolutely! Every appraisal report produced by J. Carman, Inc. is a legal document, which adheres to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) and the ethical and professional guidelines set forth by the American Society of Appraisers. The credentials of the appraaiser signing off on your appraisal will be listed, and the appraiser will be available to testify in court (for an additional fee) if required. This means that if you are having your estate appraised following the death of a loved one, the appraisal document produced will meet the legal requirements for a probate court. Similarly, if you are pursuing a tax deduction for a non-cash charitable contribution, your appraisal report will meet the current regulations of the Internal Revenue Service for non-cash charitable contributions. Jennifer N. Carman, ASA is an IRS qualified appraiser. If you require an appraisal report with the intention of utilizing it for insurance scheduling, estate planning, charitable contributions, settlements, or probate, you should engage an appraiser who produced reports that are compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Only a USPAP compliant appraiser can satisfy the stringent requirements of trust officers, the IRS, courts, and insurance underwriters.
What types of items does J. Carman, Inc. appraise?
J. Carman, Inc. specializes in the appraisal of fine and decorative American and European Arts. Currently our staff and consultants have the connoisseurship training and experience to appraise objects in the following categories:
Paintings, Drawings, Printed Works on Paper, Sculpture, Furniture, Ceramics, Silver, Textiles, Glass, Photographs, Clocks, Select Documents, Books, Toys, and Collectibles
In addition to these general specialties, Jennifer N. Carman, ASA also has documented and extensive experience appraising extraordinarily unique “difficult-to-value” items such as historic memorabilia relating to civil liberties, civil rights, and social justice. She has gained a national reputation as an expert on the artwork and crafts produced within WWII Japanese American Internment Camps. She has also appraised estate holdings of major American art and literary figures and items with distinctive or "celebrity" provenance.
Are there any items that you do not appraise?
J. Carman, Inc. will not undertake the appraisal of any item that is outside the scope of our staff or consultant’s expertise. For this reason we generally do not appraise objects of art that are not American or European in origin, nor will we appraise jewelry, gems, select militaria, firearms, taxidermy, ivory, musical instruments in working order, prehistoric artifacts, or sports memorabilia. Whenever possible, we are happy to provide referrals to other experts.
How much does an appraisal cost?
All qualified appraisers charge for services rendered. Like other professionals, appraisers base their fee schedules commensurately with other professionals in the field with similar experience, training, and skills. The charge for an appraisal is NEVER a percentage of the appraised value. The fees for J. Carman, Inc.‘s basic appraisal and consultation services are a flat hourly rate of $175 plus any travel expenses (where applicable). Initial telephone or email consultations to determine the need for an appraisal or the parameters of a potential assignment is gratis; however, J. Carman, Inc. cannot render a numerical opinion of value without invoking the USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice). This is a universal protocol for all accredited appraisers. For more information about estimated costs for your particular job, please contact us for a quote. Fees for services vary based on travel time (where applicable), the number of items you will be having appraised, and the amount of specialized research that your items require in the execution of due diligence. The minimum charge for a site visit for examination or consultation purposes is $200. The minimum fee for a written appraisal report is $800. A current fee schedule for all services including litigation support can be downloaded here: J. Carman, Inc. 2022 Schedule of Fees
Appraisal Policies
• Estimated appraisal report costs will be determined following the examination period.
• A deposit or retainer fee of an estimated 25% to 50% of total cost may be required in advance.
• For large assignments, compensation will be remitted on an as-needed draw basis.
• Refunds are not granted for services or field research time already rendered.
• In the event of court action, your lawyer will be the appraiser's client, not you.
• In court cases that require litigation support int he form of expert testimony, full payment will be made in advance to avoid any appearance that the appraiser's content of testimony or payment depends on the outcome of the case.
• A copy of any third party interviews, deposition, or courtroom transcripts will be provided to the appraiser at no cost by the retaining counsel.
• Deliberate concealment of relevant material facts on the part of a client will automatically terminate an assignment.
• Notice to auction companies: violations of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
What will the appraisal report consist of?
A finished appraisal report is a printed and bound legal reference document that your family will retain for years. An appraisal report is a defensively written formal document in which value conclusions are substantiated with credible and relevant market data in a fashion that any reasonable mind can comprehend. Such documents are crafted with due diligence and thoroughness so that the report can withstand the rigors of a legal contest. In short, finished reports include appropriate and relevant research that is organized and presented in a manner that leads readers of the report to a logical and reliable value conclusion. J. Carman, Inc. reports are bound documents including a cover page, table of contents, executive summary, introduction, catalog of subject property prepared using standards set forth by the J. Paul Getty Trust’s “Object ID”, photographs, market commentary, historic narrative and background, biographies of artists or makers, conclusion, footnotes, market comparables, bibliography, list of consulting experts, certification pages, privacy policy statement, legal terms, and, where relevant, a glossary. All appraisal reports prepared by J. Carman, Inc. are protected by copyright because they are considered intellectual property.
What are Jennifer Carman's Qualifications?
Jennifer Carman, ASA has completed rigorous training in connoisseurship and the study of appraisal theory and methodology. She holds a Master’s degree in Art History from the University of Glasgow with an emphasis on the Renaissance through the present day. She is a graduate connoisseur of Christie’s Education in London, where she studied fine arts (paintings, works on paper, sculpture) as well as decorative arts (furniture, ceramics, silver, textiles and glass). She has successfully completed coursework in appraisal theory and methodology through the Appraisers Association of America (AAA) where her work has been peer-reviewed in American Art including paintings, drawings, and sculpture. She holds a Certificate in Appraisal Studies from the State University of New York at Purchase College. Ms. Carman stays up-to-date with the current USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) regulations and guidelines, and is tested on these standards every other year by the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). The USPAP are set forth by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation in Washington, DC. Ms. Carman is an Accredited Member of the International Society of Appraisers and the Appraisers Association of America. She has successfully completed the American Society of Appraisers’ Antiques and Decorative Arts connoisseurship program, and has achieved the highest level of professional designation from that society as an "Accredited Senior Appraiser."
Aren't all appraisers accredited and tested?
Unfortunately, no. When it comes to personal property appraisers, the appraisal profession is largely unregulated, which means that anybody who calls themselves an appraiser can accept your money and issue their opinion. Examples of non-accredited appraisers typically include art or antique dealers, gallery owners, auctioneers, estate sale businesses, or jewelers. These professionals may have some experience with object values in their field, but usually do not have the formal training in connoisseurship or valuation theory and methodology (or the USPAP) necessary to deliver a legally meaningful or reliable report. You should always ask a potential appraiser where they studied or worked to gain experience and expertise with the type of object you wish them to appraise. More importantly, you should ask which professional appraisal organization(s) they belong to, and then look into the organization to see what is required to become a member. Reputable organizations will require proof of connoisseurship training as well as accreditation courses and testing in appraisal theory and methodology, along with peer review of reports. The three major organizations within the United States include the Appraiser’s Association of America (AAA), the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), and the International Society of Appraisers (ISA). Ultimately, one of the best tests of a prospective appraiser is to inquire as to whether or not they have achieved accreditation with the ASA, AAA, or ISA, and to find out if they have successfully passed the USPAP examination within the last two years. If you require an appraisal report with the intention of utilizing it for insurance scheduling, estate planning, charitable contributions, settlements, or probate, you must engage an appraiser who is compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Only a USPAP compliant appraiser can satisfy the stringent requirements of trust officers, the IRS, courts, and insurance underwriters.
What if I'm not sure whether my property is valuable enough to justify an appraisal?
J. Carman, Inc. visits with clients on a daily basis who are in this predicament. The best way to find out more about your item and its potential value is to contact us so that we can learn more about your property and your intended goals in a potential appraisal process. For clients who are "just curious" we offer a pre-appraisal consultation provided by email called an "Object Overview" for a flat fee of $85 per item. If a site visit is required to examine your property firsthand, there is a minimum charge of $200. If you choose to explore the "Object Overview" process via e-mail, be prepared to provide digital images of the front, back, and bottom (if applicable) of the item in question, along with photos of any signatures or marks. Additionally, information on the size (measurements including height, width, and depth), media, and provenance (history of ownership) would be helpful.
To find out more about the services we offer or to schedule an appointment, please contact J. Carman, Inc. by telephone, email, or by using the contact form found on this website. We would welcome the opportunity to become acquainted with your collection. J. Carman, Inc. generally completes assignments in the order in which they are received, so there is frequently a wait-list for inspection appointments or completion of reports. If you have a tight deadline, please advise us of the details and we will try to accommodate your requirements.
EMAIL ME BY CLICKING THIS LINK
PHONE: 501.744.8049
EMAIL ME BY CLICKING THIS LINK
PHONE: 501.744.8049
IMAGE IDENTIFICATION:
Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779)
English
Ribboned Backed Chairs
Pen and brown ink on paper
18.5 inches x 13.5 inches
circa 1753-1754
Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Thomas Chippendale (1718-1779)
English
Ribboned Backed Chairs
Pen and brown ink on paper
18.5 inches x 13.5 inches
circa 1753-1754
Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York