Certified appraisal insight
Walt Kolenda is a Certified Personal Property Appraiser with decades of experience in the antiques trade.
Certified appraisal service
Antique Appraisals in Massachusetts
Before an important piece is sold, insured or divided, get a clear opinion from someone who knows what deserves a closer look.
Start with the right questions
Value is rarely obvious at first glance.
Family stories, maker's marks, condition, provenance and current demand can all change the picture. Cape Ann Auction brings decades of buying, selling and appraising experience to antiques that should not be dismissed or guessed at.
We work with Massachusetts estates, collections and individual pieces, helping people understand what they have before a sale, insurance decision, estate settlement or family division.
ForEstates, collections and individual pieces
SpecialtiesArt, jewellery, coins and maritime material
First stepShare photos and the reason for the appraisal
A practical appraisal process
Enough clarity to make the next decision.
We begin with what the property is, why you need an appraisal and how much detail the situation calls for.
- 01Share the essentialsSend photographs, dimensions, signatures, marks and any relevant history.
- 02Choose the right level of reviewWe will recommend the appropriate next step, from an initial opinion to an on-site visit or written report.
- 03Move forward with confidenceUse a clearer understanding of the property to plan a sale, insurance review, estate decision or collection strategy.
Experience that matters
Built around the material, not a price list.
Wide-ranging estate knowledge
From Cape Ann art to silver, coins, books and maritime antiques, important material gets the attention it needs.
Clear next steps
When selling is the goal, we can explain whether auction, consignment, direct purchase or another route makes the most sense.
Frequently asked questions
Questions before you begin.
What kinds of antiques can you appraise?
Cape Ann Auction appraises fine art, jewellery, coins, maritime material, books, historic documents, Americana and other estate property. If you are unsure whether something merits a formal appraisal, send clear photos and a short description first.
Do you offer antique appraisals for estates?
Yes. Estate appraisals can help executors, heirs and attorneys understand the material before it is divided, sold or included in estate documentation. We can also recommend the most practical sale path when that is part of the decision.
Can you appraise an individual item or a collection?
Yes. We work with individual pieces, family collections and full estates. The scope depends on what you need the appraisal for, so it helps to share the item type, location and intended use when you get in touch.
How do I begin an antique appraisal?
Start with a few well-lit photographs, measurements, maker's marks, signatures and any known history. We will let you know the best next step, whether that is a closer review, an on-site visit or a written appraisal report.