An experienced accredited personal property appraiser’s curriculum vitae (CV) will reflect 10 to 40 years in-field experience with antiques and art plus certifications from one or more international professional appraisal organizations. But that is often not enough. A well-rounded appraisal expert will have created a business from scratch, managed people in the workplace, and worked in the antiques and arts marketplace for decades. Also, a nationally accredited personal property appraiser will have published articles in the relevant field, taught appraisal studies courses at the university level, delivered public seminars about material culture topics, and traveled around the world to examine art and antiques exhibits at acclaimed museums, both great and small. Mr. Grove has accomplished all of these qualification measures and he remains current in each area with the exception of commercial activity, from which he is retired. Mr. Grove no longer, buys, sells, collects, or trades; he is completely impartial and independent of all professional organizations.

Curriculum Vitae: Education – Master of Arts

Mark C. Grove (66) was educated at James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA) where he earned a BS (1978) and an MA (1983). He acquired additional education at George Washington University (DC) that was taught by ASA instructors of professional appraisal practice and was tested there in appraisal theory, principles of practice, property economics, methodology, and ethics. As a result appraisal reports written by Mr. Grove satisfy the highest standards required by Insurance Underwriters, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Courts. His CV is available in PDF or Word format upon request.

Author

I have authored four works of fiction in two genres: The Madison PickerSome Kind of GoodAttack on Orbital 454, and The Serapis Fraktur. All are available in all formats on AmazonB&N, and other sources. Sequels in the Picker Series (about antiques dealers Charles & Emma Dawes) and the Conglomerate Series (scifi time travel) are underway. Also, two other genres are planned.

Professional Accreditation

I have also earned the highest credentials in Appraisers Association of America (AAA), American Society of Appraisers (ASA), and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), from which he has resigned. At this point in my career, professional societies no longer serve my interest.

Professional Experience and Training

  • Over 42,000 hours experience appraising.
  • 2019 NOV 14, resigned from ASA.
  • 2018 ASA Personal Property Conference, Dearborn MI: 2-5 MAY, 19.5 hours.
  • 2018 ASA webinar: PP135WEB Federal Tax Deduction 21 MAR, 2 hours.
  • 2017 ASA webinar: PP126WEB What’s New in 2016-17 USPAP, 11 FEB, 1½ hours.
  • 2015 ASA webinar: PP118WEB Appraising Southwestern American Indian Pottery, 18 JUN, two hours.
  • 2015 ASA webinar: PP119WEB Appraising African Tribal Art, 23 JUL, two hours.
  • PBS TV 2010-2020Maryland Public Television (MPT), The Chesapeake Collectibles Show: Owens Mills, MD. Filmed at Turf Valley Resort. Premiers seasonally in January. Is re-broadcasted weekly year round. On-line always.
  • PBS TV WHRO Norfolk 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016; Williamsburg 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015.
  • 2011-2015. Member Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Redundant and expensive. Resigned.
  • 2011 Ohio Antiques Forum, MAY, 7 CE hours. Identifying mid-western cultural properties.
  • 2010 Award: New York University (NYU) School of Continuing and Professional Studies Programs in Arts & Humanities, Appraisal Studies Program, in recognition of teaching and contributions to the appraisal profession.
  • 2009 Rhode Island School of Design (RISD): Identifying Ceramics – pottery, porcelain, hard paste, soft paste, earthenware including creamware, pearlware, stoneware, faience, distinguishing and comparing construction techniques, clay bodies, glazes, etc. 12 SEP 09 (8hrs).
  • 2009 Rhode Island School of Design (RISD): Fundamentals of Ivory Identification, Ivory and Its Lookalikes 11 SEP 09 (5hrs).
  • 2008 ASA re-accreditation completed 22 APR 08 with a total of 302 points (minimum 100 points every five years). USPAP updated 22 APR 08. Professional requirements current for ASA through 18 MAR 2014.
  • 2007 National Expert Witness Conference (SEAK, Inc.), Hyannis, Cape Cod, MA. June 21-22, (14hrs).
  • 2007 Advanced Deposition Skills for Experts (SEAK, Inc.), Hyannis, Cape Cod, MA. June 20, (6hrs).
  • 2007 The Biggest Mistakes Experts Make: And How to Avoid Them (SEAK, Inc.), Hyannis, Cape Cod, MA. June 19, seven hours.
  • 2007-2014 Peer review of two written Appraisal Reports, advancement approved, 2nd Specialty: American Folk Art: MAY 31.
  • 2007 A Day With the IRS: Tax Policy and Legal Changes that Will Affect Your Business Practice, April 27, eight hours.
  • 2006 Proposed to ASA International Board of Governors ASA’s American Folk Art Specialty: was principle writer of two 100 question each Folk Art specialty tests, reading list, and discipline advancement sequence.
  • 2005-2013 Certified Member, the Appraisers Association of America’s (AAA). Redundant and expensive. Resigned.
  • 2005 The Winterthur Furniture Forum: Yankee Cabinetmakers, New England Scholarship on Old Furniture. March 3-5, twelve hours of seminars followed by a hands-on workshop on the third day.
  • 2004 Washington Regional Appraisers Forum: The Value of Virginia Pottery Using the Shenandoah Standard presented by H. E. Comstock. (May)
  • 2004-2016 The American Society of Appraisers’ Board of Examiners reviews and approves two written reports for the purpose of accreditation as an Accredited Senior Appraiser (highest rank). Senior designation awarded (ASA), 1st Specialty: Antique Furniture.
  • 2003 Antique Furniture Specialty Test, American Society of Appraisers —Successful (SEP 2003). At this writing, there are only ten (10) appraisers of antique furniture in the United States that are accredited by The American Society of Appraisers.
  • 2003 Submission of work log. The American Society of Appraisers’ Board of Examiners reviews and approves an itemized, chronological work log representing five years of full-time appraisal experience.
  • 2002 Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice fifteen hour course and test. Certificate awarded.
  • 2002 Personal Property Valuation 204: The Legal and Commercial Environment. George Washington University, Washington, DC. Certificate awarded. Three semester hours.
  • 2002 Personal Property Valuation 203: Report Writing. George Washington University, Washington, DC. Certificate awarded. Three semester hours.
  • 2002 Personal Property Valuation 202: Methodology, Research, and Analysis. George Washington University, Washington, DC. Certificate awarded. Three semester hours.
  • 2002 Personal Property Valuation 201: Introduction to Personal Property Valuation. George Washington University, Washington, DC. Certificate awarded. Three semester hours.

Published Articles, Contributions, TV

    • PBS TV WHRO Norfolk 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016; Williamsburg 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015.
    • PBS TV 2010-2020Maryland Public Television (MPT), The Chesapeake Collectibles Show: Owens Mills, MD. Filmed in-studio and also on remote locations (Eastern Shore). Premiers seasonally in January. Repeats weekly year round. On-line always.
    • Maine Antique Digest, April 2009, An Appraiser War Story”, p.14D; {1831 words}. An episodic account of an appraiser experiencing a professional dilemma.
    • Journal of Advanced Appraisal Studies 2009 (March), “Standards of Protocol“, pp. 135-144; {3423 words}. A discourse on professional appraisal ethics.

Elected Officer

  • Served as Membership Chair (2013-2019) of the Richmond Chapter of the American Society of Appraisers (ASA).
  • Previously held ASA positions: Membership Chair (2003-2005), President (2005-2007), First Vice President (2008-2013), Secretary (2008-2013).

Seminars & Teaching

  • Former adjunct faculty appointment to New York University (NYU), Fall 2009, 2010, 2011; Spring 2011, Appraisal Report Writing Workshop. Continuing Education, each semester is ten hours in-classroom, in association with the Appraisers Association of America (AAA). Resigned.
  • 2010 Award: New York University (NYU) School of Continuing and Professional Studies Programs in Arts & Humanities, Appraisal Studies Program, in recognition of teaching and contributions to the appraisal profession.
  • The Function of the Accredited Antiques Appraiser and Distinguishing Age Attributes. At the invitation of the Questers, June 06, Old South Antiques in Brownsburg, VA. Seventeen attending, two and one-half hours, pro bono.
  • Introduction to the Antiques Business, Collecting, and the Function of an Appraiser. At the invitation of the St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School Alumni Association Board, 30 JAN 03, Old Town Alexandria, VA. Seventy-eight attending, two hours, pro bono.

Appraisal Fairs / Antiques Shows

Chesapeake Collectibles Show 2011

  • Appraisal Fair: Plains District Memorial Museum FEB 2015.
  • PBS TV WHRO Norfolk 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016; Williamsburg 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015.
  • Middleburg  Antiques Show at The Hill School: January and July 2012.
  • PBS TV MPT 2010-2020. Maryland Public Television (MPT), The Chesapeake Collectibles Show: Owens Mills, MD. Filmed in-studio and on location. Premiers seasonally in January. Is re-broadcasted weekly year round. On-line always.
  • Purcellville Antiques Show as an appraiser: December 2011, April 2012.
  • Private Appraisal Fair for the Earlysville Women’s club March 2012.
  • The “Doctors’”Antiques Show, in Richmond, Virginia. RAMAF 50th Annual Benefit Antiques and Fine Arts Show,  at the Science Museum of Virginia: February 2012. This venue’s final event.
  • Middleburg  Antiques Show at The Hill School as an appraiser: January 2012.
  • Vitt Law Firm Client Appreciation Event, Charlottesville, VA: September 2011.
  • YMCA Appraisal Fair: Farmville, VA. November 2010.
  • Jefferson County Museum: Charles Town, WV. October 2010, 2011, 2012.
  • Lewis County Annual Antiques Market Fair: Weston, West Virginia June 2008.
  • VFS Private Client List Invitation, Staunton, VA. November 2007.
  • Woodstock Museum: Woodstock, VA. June 2007, June 2009, February 2012, February 2014.
  • Exchange Hotel Civil War Museum: Gordonsville, VA. August 2006.
  • Scottsville Area Katrina Relief Fund: Scottsville, VA. April 2006.
  • Natural Bridge Appraisal Fair: Natural Bridge, VA. March 2005.
  • The Shenandoah Folk Art Society: Luray, VA. April: 2004, 2005.
  • Charity Appraisals: Omni Hotel, Charlottesville, VA. January: 2003-2007.
  • National Historic Trust: Belle Grove Plantation (VA). November: 2002, 2004, 2005.
  • Habitat for Humanity / Women Built: Woodberry Forest School (VA). April: 2002, 2003.

Resources and Competencies

    • A large professional reference library of books on antiques, decorative arts, and fine arts.
    • Expertise in accessing and researching the Internet and regional research libraries.
  • Subscriptions to online databases: AskArtArtFact, Price4Art, Invaluable.com, ArtValue, Ancestry.com,  FindArtInfoAntiqueClocksPriceGuideWorthPointArtNet, Skype, Microsoft Exchange, and other on-line assets.
  • Proficiency in Vista, Word, Excel, WordPress, Picasa, WSFTP-Pro, PDF, and other software programs using both PC and Apple computer technology.
  • Access to an international network of expert contacts in all property categories.
  • Competent and comfortable using all classes of small firearms and automatic weapons.

Currency – Up to Date

To remain current on prices and market trends, Mr. Grove periodically travels to national level antiques shows, numerous auctions in different market levels, completes continuing education programs, adds dozens of books to his extensive topical reference library each year, studies domestic and foreign museum exhibits: the Smithsonian and its associate museums including the National Gallery, the Boston Museum of Art, the Louvre, the British Museum, and countless other museums in the UK, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Austria, Germany, Spain, Rhodes, Crete, France, and numerous others across the US, EU, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Institutional Clients – National

Department of Defense (SecDef, JCS), National Museum of the Marine Corps, Marine Barracks Commandant‘s residenceThe Library of CongressU.S. President James Madison’s Montpelier, James Madison Museum, James Madison University’s Madison Art CollectionThe Exchange Hotel Civil War MuseumThe Miller School, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, and others.

Referrals – National and International

The American Society of Appraisers (ASA), the Appraisers Association of America (AAA), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)The Supreme Court of the United StatesThe Donegal Insurance Group, University of Virginia Art Museum, USAA Insurance, U.S. Trust (now a division of Bank of America), Wells Fargo (formerly Wachovia) Trust, Bessemer Trust, Allstate®, BB&T Trust, State Farm®, Nationwide®, Erie®, Cabell Insurance, Farmers Insurance, Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance, Bankers Insurance, Flather & Perkins, Martha Jefferson Hospital, Southern Insurance Company, Holman Moving Systems, Alfa Insurance Group, Virginia Commerce Bank, and others.

Referrals – Professional Firms: Law, Wealth Management, Elder Care, CPA

McGuire Woods (←2019); Kelly Byrnes & Danker PLLC; Beckman Schmalzle Georgelas & Ross PLC; Tremblay & Smith; Lenhart Pettit Law Firm;  Thomas Purcell Esq.; Armstrong Bristow Farley & Schwarzschild; Betsy Phillips Esq.; McArthur Law Firm; Schulte Roth & Zabel; Vitt Law Offices; Richmond & Fishburne Law Firm; Armstrong Bristow Farley & Schwarzschild PLC; Parker, McElwain & Jacobs; McCallum & Kudravetz; Morin & Barkley; Tweel Michie Hamlett; Owen & Owens LLC (2011); Krasny and Dettmer; Trichilo, Bancroft, McGavin, Horvath & Judkins PC (2010); Lenhart Pettit Attorneys at Law; Lynch & Cornett PC (2014); Scruggs, Dodd & Brisendine Attorneys PA (2014) of Ft. Payne, AL; Burr Forman LLC (2014) of Birmingham, AL; Beckman Schmalzle Georgelas & Ross PLC Law Firm (2018); law / accounting / wealth management / elder care firms in VA, DC, MD, WV, FL, AL, TN, Richmond VA, Baltimore, Washington DC, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, NYC, Hong Kong, and across the world.

Expert Witness

2020 for plaintiff :: Centrella v. Latheef N. Ahmed et al in Arlington, Virginia. Arlington Circuit Court. :: Pikrallidas Law Firm. Case #GV19005913-00. Interior ceiling fell down on top of personal property. A damages case. (Resolved)

2019 for plaintiff :: Snowden v. Farmer. Case No. 2019 CA 001748 B :: Henderson Law LLC, Crofton MD. A civil case. Water damage. (Pending)

2019 for defendant :: Wallington v. Wallington. Fairfax, Virginia. Fairfax Circuit Court. :: Kelly Byrnes & Danker PLLC. Case # CL2018-12239. A divorce case. (Trial)

2018 for plaintiff :: Rozanski v. Rozanski. :: The Beckman Schmalzle Georgelas & Ross PLC Law Firm, in Leesburg, Virginia. Case #112365. A divorce case. (Trial)

2017 for defendant :: Warwick v. Kielock in Woodstock, Virginia. :: Court of Appeals. Case #CL17000579-00. A contract dispute case. Client prevailed. (Trial)

2016 for plaintiff :: Paul v. Paul. :: Lenhart Pettit Law Firm, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Case #CL15000353-00. A divorce case. (Trial)

2014 for plaintiff :: James Jordan, Sara Jordan Muschamp v. Thomas Jefferson Foundation :: Law Firms: Burr Forman LLC of Birmingham Alabama; and Scruggs, Dodd & Brisendine Attorneys, PA of Fort Payne, Alabama. Assignment thru Thomson Reuters Expert Witness Services (TREWS Case 37169) of New York City. Case #CV2009-000275. Deposed (VA & AL) and court testimony (AL). A jury case and Mr. Grove’s biggest (as of 11 OCT 16). Many grueling hours being deposed and a few testifying. Traveled to and from Alabama twice (a culinary desert). This was a personal property negligence case involving Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello: furniture. Case dismissed. Apparently opposing counsel outright lied, so it was told to Mr. Grove after the case. NOTE: Client failed to fully compensate Mr. Grove. Client did not prevail. (Deposition and Trial)

2014 for defendant :: Eastern Continental v. G.L. Herndon. Firm: Lynch & Cornett, PC. Case #CL13004185-00, Richmond, Virginia. Another Chinese furniture case featuring the same human plaintiff, and once again they drop their case after Mr. Grove provided analysis. Client prevailed.

2011 for defendant :: Paul Renfro Harbison, Jr. v. Junko Ezure Harbison :: Firm: Owen & Owens, LLC. Spotsylvania Court, Virginia. CL09000586, CL09001405, CL09001406, CL09001407. One of these was the “Kimono Case.” Ex-husband destroys Japanese wife’s family heirloom kimonos out of spite. Client prevailed. (Trial)

2010 for plaintiff :: Four Hundred Seven William LLC v. Walker International Inc. and Benjamin Walker and Yasmeen Walker. :: Firm: Trichilo, Bancroft, McGavin, Horvath & Judkins PC. Case #CL08000082-00. Fredericksburg City, Virginia. A negligence case: leaky roof damages Chinese furniture. Plaintiff dropped the case after Mr. Grove provided analysis. Client prevailed.

Clients Located in:

  • USA: VA, MD, DE, PA, NC, SC, FL, VT, GA, AL, AK, NY, NJ, RI, ME, CA, OR, WA, ID, NE, AZ, NM, UT, WI, OH, NH, TX, OK, ND, SD, …
  • WORLD: UK, EU, Canada, Cayman Islands, Hong Kong, Australia, …

Bootstrap to Blue Chip

Mr. Grove is a retired professional dealer of American antique furniture, Americana, folk art, stoneware, redware, yellowware, quilts, art, books, rugs, and numerous other classes of antiques for over twenty-five years. In addition to operating a storefront with a large upscale inventory, he has sold antiques at regional and National level shows (collateral experience) from The Pier in New York City to The Heart of Country Show in Nashville Tennessee and many points in between.

  • Presently spends most of his time in Gainesville, Virginia, with his Peruvian wife, Chany.
  • Interests: travel, reading, cooking, dancing, fine dining, oil painting, art appreciation, writing nonfiction articles, and writing fiction. Mr. Grove currently has four titles in publication The Serapis Fraktur, Attack on Orbital 454, The Madison Picker,  and Some Kind of Good.
  • 1979-2004 Antiques dealer: owner/operator of 5000 square foot upscale storefront operations, local and long-haul antiques fairs exhibitor, owner/operator of 5000 square foot upscale antiques center with exhibitors from 13 states, repair and restoration of furniture and lighting, researcher and appraiser.
  • 1984-1987 US Army Ordnance Officer (1st Lieutenant(P)), depot-level maintenance, Army Commendation Medal; antiques business owner.
  • 1981-1983 Masters of Arts Degree (December) from JMU, via the G.I. Bill; antiques business owner.
  • 1979-1980 General Electric exempt employee, customer service International Accounts EVC; antiques business owner.
  • 1976-1978 Bachelors of Science Degree (August) from JMU, via the G.I. Bill.
  • 1972-1976 US Air Force Sergeant, aero-medic (A90150): Dover Air Force Base & Ramstein Air Base.
  • 1972 Madison County High School, Madison, VA. Grew up on Spring Hill Farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia reading, hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking.
  • 1954 Born 29 September in England. Dual national: US (passport) / UK (passport). Member of the  EU and the Commonwealth of Nations.
  • Favorite Quote: “Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy. Its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.” ― Sir Winston Churchill. If you want what you have not earned and believe what others have earned should be re-allocated, then you need to have your head examined. You are the enemy.

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