As the marketplace for art, antiques, cultural property, and high-value tangible assets becomes more complex, Probity Appraisal Group is proud to announce a suite of expanded valuation and research services tailored specifically for insurance companies, attorneys, and auction houses. Our multidisciplinary team combines CPAs, forensic investigators, provenance researchers, and art specialists to deliver robust, defensible, and context-sensitive appraisals and consultative services.

Why Probity Is Positioned to Help You

• We maintain IRS-qualified appraisers and follow USPAP guidelines to ensure compliance and credibility.

• Our team blends financial rigor, investigative capacity, and art expertise, allowing us to handle not only valuation but also provenance and fraud risk.

• Led by Jessica I. Marschall (CPA, ISA AM) and supported by specialists in insurance, investigation, and cultural property recovery, we offer both breadth and depth of capability.

• We serve clients nationwide and internationally while maintaining confidentiality, responsiveness, and premium service.

Tailored Services by Audience

For Insurance Companies and Adjusters

• Insurance Appraisals: Accurate, defensible valuations for underwriting, policy renewals, and claims settlement.

• Damage and Loss Appraisals: Post-loss valuations, partial damage assessments, depreciation, and restoration cost analysis.

• Fraud Detection and Prevention: Assistance in identifying forged or misrepresented claims and suspicious transactions.

• Provenance Audit and Title Checks: Verification of chain-of-title and authenticity to mitigate exposure.

Benefit to Insurers: Reduce risk from overpayment, underwriting gaps, or fraudulent claims while supporting audit trails and enhancing credibility with policyholders and regulators.

For Attorneys, Estate and Tax Counsel

• Charitable Contribution Appraisals: IRS-compliant reports under IRC §170, including substantiation for non-cash gifts, estate planning, and gift tax reporting.

• Estate and Gift Appraisals: Fair market valuations for high-value items in decedents’ or donor estates.

• Provenance and Title Research: Documentation to resolve ownership disputes or title defects.

• Cultural Artifact Recovery: Assistance in recovering stolen or trafficked art, liaising with international authorities.

• Expert Witness and Litigation Support: Testimony, forensic valuation, and dispute resolution in art- or property-related legal cases.

Benefit to Legal Practitioners: Access to defensible, court-ready appraisals and expert analysis that mitigate audit risk and streamline documentation.

For Auction Houses and Dealers

• Pre-auction Due Diligence: Authenticity checks, provenance vetting, and title risk analysis to reduce reputational exposure.

• Valuation and Reserve Setting: Market-based, defensible appraisals to support hammer price recommendations and reserve decisions.

• Fraud and Forgery Screening: Investigation of suspect lots or consignments.

• Training and Education: Customized workshops and seminars on valuation best practices, fraud detection, market trends, and legal compliance.

Benefit to Auction Houses: Improve trust with consignors and buyers, reduce risks of restitution claims, and enhance competitive positioning through due diligence.

Key Service Highlights and Differentiators

1. Integrated Approach: Valuations supported by comparable sales, provenance research, and risk analysis.

2. Investigative Capability: Uncovering red flags, resolving title gaps, and supporting artifact restitution.

3. Timely Reports: Responsive delivery for time-sensitive claims and auction deadlines.

4. Cost-Effective Solutions: Competitive pricing without sacrificing thoroughness.

5. Educational Support: Training and published guidance to keep clients current with appraisal, compliance, and fraud prevention practices.

Proposed Next Steps

• Introductory consultation: Meet with your claims, legal, or acquisitions team to assess how our services can integrate with your workflows.

• Pilot engagement: A reference appraisal or provenance review to demonstrate value and responsiveness.

• Ongoing retainer or referral program: Many clients engage Probity as their go-to resource for art and specialty property matters.

If you'd like to schedule a meeting, request sample reports, or receive a customized service proposal, please let me know. I am happy to tailor our offering to your organization’s needs and risk profile.

Probity Appraisal Group

Rapid Results. Rigorously Researched. Info@probityappraisal.com