No 'Roadshow' needed to 'Ask the Appraiser'

By NANCY MACE Staff writer

FREDERICK, MD. -- For certified personal property appraiser David Maloney, it is the "thrill of the hunt" that keeps his job exciting.

Maloney, a former Waynesboro resident, recently joined Sales Online Direct and the Collection Channel.com to direct the company's "Ask the Appraiser" online service. "I'm always looking to stumble upon something I've either never seen, or not seen for a long time," he said.

"Most people are hesitant to pay $100 to $200 an hour to have someone come to their house and offer a hunch about what something is worth," Maloney said.

With "Ask the Appraiser," the value of most antiques can be judged over the Internet by answering a questionnaire and uploading some digital images. "They get the appraiser's valued conclusion in three working days for $19.95 per item," an inexpensive alternative for those who can't wait for the "The Antiques Roadshow" to come to a city near them.

Not everything can be appraised on line, Maloney said. "If it's too valuable, it should be inspected on site, and then if there are questions about its authenticity we refer them to the appraisal society."

Maloney doesn't have much time for his speciality, 19th and 20th century Americana, since taking the new position. "There are aspects of that career which are unique and cannot compare to what I'm doing now, but my job is just as challenging and I don't have to travel. I miss it, but I'm just as busy."

As part of the agreement, Sales Online Direct also obtained the rights to "Maloney's Antiques and Collectibles Resource Directory," which he wrote 12 years ago.

Maloney, a 1966 graduate of Waynesboro Area Senior High School and former vice president of the International Society of Appraisers, has been appraising personal property for 25 years.

The father of five, he also enjoys maintaining and improving the 200-year-old home he and wife Barbara bought after their marriage in 1979. "We've been working on it ever since.

"It's a fun old house," Maloney said, and has its share of antiques. He deals with all aspects of home improvement, including plumbing, electrical work, carpentry and gardening. "I know my talents and when I have to call in a professional."

That "do it yourself" mentality was instilled in Maloney by his parents, Dorothy Jane Maloney of Blue Ridge Summit, and the late David J. Maloney, "They were pretty handy" he said.

They also believed "Why pay someone when you can do the same thing yourself, maybe better?"

Maloney uses that same philosophy when it comes to appraising. "I do all categories of household goods, antiques and collectibles. I don't do fine art, stamps, coins, gems and jewelry. I know my limits. If I see, for example, a Civil War musket, I know enough that I can do it with help."

Maloney acquired his love of antiques naturally. "My folks haunted auctions. They are the original pack rats." His interests extends to all things that are old. "I appreciate the quality of construction and the unusual nature of some of the articles."

After high school, Maloney graduated from the Coast Guard Academy, New London, Conn., and was stationed around the country. He went to graduate school in Monterey, Calif., earning a master's degree in communications management in 1975. He also was commanding officer of the Coast Guard communications station in Point Reyes, Calif. before being transferred to Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C.

In 1977, Maloney's first wife, Joyce, was killed in a car accident. "I was left with three small boys and after struggling with housekeepers, etc., I decided to get out of the Coast Guard."

To spend more time with his sons, Maloney renewed his interest in the appraisal business and joined the International Society of Appraisers. Sons David and Jason, are now 28 and 25 respectively. His other son, Shane was killed in a Coast Guard accident in 1994.

Maloney's family also includes his three daughters with Barbara -- Julianne and Elizabeth, both college students, and 10-year-old Helen.

Maloney is passionate about advising clients of the historical value of an item, "whether they pass it along or donate it." The past president of the Historical Society of Frederick County, Maloney said he has enjoyed the opportunity to help preserve history by photographing many items for use in exhibits.

His enthusiasm also extends to the profession itself. "We have a relatively small number of educated and trained professional appraisers -- about 2,000 -- across the country. It is a profession populated primarily by people in their 50s."

Maloney hopes more young people will be attracted to the business. "It works well for the self-employed and dovetails nicely with existing professions as a part-time career."

Maloney cautioned prospective appraisers to "get an education before jumping into it head first. If they have a love of antiques and collectibles, they will learn more and more as they go through their careers. Every community needs some."