The Qualified Independent Estates Appraiser

When an estate includes significant entertainment memorabilia, musical instruments, celebrity archives, or cultural artifacts, you need an appraiser whose credentials will withstand IRS scrutiny, hold up in probate court, and satisfy the most demanding insurance underwriters.

DIG Appraisals exists for exactly this purpose.

Why Estates Work With Dig

The IRS defines a qualified appraiser with precision: relevant professional designation, verifiable expertise in the subject property, no financial interest in the outcome, and compliance with USPAP. Many appraisers meet some of these criteria. Very few meet all of them, and fewer still can demonstrate a track record at the level that high-value entertainment and cultural estates demand.

Helen Hall is an AAA Certified Member — the highest designation from the Appraisers Association of America, and a former Vice President and Head of Entertainment Memorabilia at Christie's New York and London. She has appraised the estates and archives of Marlon Brando, Clark Gable, Stan Laurel, and some of the most significant cultural figures of the twentieth century. Her appraisals are USPAP-compliant, fully documented, and defensible.

  • The highest designation from the Appraisers Association of America. Requires a minimum of ten years of professional experience, demonstrated expertise, and ongoing continuing education in USPAP standards. Recognised by the IRS as a qualified appraiser organisation.

  • Every DIG appraisal conforms to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice — the legal benchmark for IRS estate tax, charitable donation, and insurance purposes. All reports include the required certification, methodology documentation, and effective date of value.

  • DIG Appraisals has no consignment relationship with any auction house. Fees are flat-rate based on scope, never a percentage of value. This satisfies USPAP's independence requirements and eliminates the conflict-of-interest objections that can compromise auction house appraisals in legal proceedings.

  • DIG and Helen Hall's appraisals meet all IRS requirements for non-cash charitable contributions and estate tax filings, including the qualified appraiser signature requirement on Form 8283 Section B.

Working on an estate that includes memorabilia or cultural artifacts?

Contact for advice

We Appraise For Estates

  • Entertainment memorabilia — music, film, television, and stage

  • Musical instruments — guitars, keyboards, drums, and professional equipment

  • Costumes and stage wear — performance clothing and accessories

  • Manuscripts and documents — handwritten lyrics, scripts, contracts, correspondence

  • Film and photography — personal and professional archives

  • Awards and honours — Grammys, Oscars, BAFTAs, gold records, and other career artefacts

  • Fine and decorative art — personal collections and gifts from collaborators

  • Animation art and film posters — original production art and promotional materials

  • Personal property — furniture, vehicles, and objects of cultural significance

ESTATE EXPERIENCE

The following engagements are publicly documented and available for reference.

  • The Personal Property of Marlon Brando (Christie's, 2004)

  • The Estate of Clark Gable (Christie's, 2006)

  • The Estate of Stan Laurel (Christie's, 2007)

  • 40 Years of Star Trek: The Archives of Paramount Studios (Christie's, 2006)

  • The John Lennon Collection of 'Magic' Alex Mardas (Christie's, 2004)

  • The Star Wars Collection of John Mollo (Christie's, 2003)

  • Dame Shirley Bassey's Stage Gowns (2003)

  • The Dame Margot Fonteyn Collection (2000)

  • Insurance appraisal for 'David Bowie Is' — Victoria and Albert Museum

DIG also works with living artists and their representatives on archival management and ongoing collection stewardship, with full discretion maintained.