David Walker is a seasoned specialist in antiques and fine art, serving as an appraiser and consultant with offices in New York and Philadelphia. He actively acquires, brokers, and appraises high-quality antiques, fine art, and jewelry ranging from individual pieces to entire collections. A certified member of the Appraisers Association of America, David ensures all his appraisals comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
With over fifteen years of experience in the fine and decorative arts industry, David Walker has served as a Specialist, Auctioneer, and Appraiser.
- Former Vice President & Senior Specialist, Valuations Department, Sotheby’s New York
- Former Head, 19th Century Furniture, Sculpture & Decorative Arts, Sotheby’s New York
- Accredited Member, Appraisers Association of America
- USPAP Certified and compliant with current appraisal standards
- Guest Speaker at major industry events, including the Appraisers Association of America Annual Conference in New York
- Featured Appraiser on PBS's Antiques Roadshow since 2011
My passion for antiques and historical objects goes back as far as I can remember. I began working at an antiques shop at the age of 15, spending weekends helping out unlocking cases, chatting with customers, and soaking in everything I could. In 2004, I earned a BA in Art History from University College London, and shortly afterward began working at Bonhams in London. I started as a porter, then moved into the Antiquarian Books, Maps, and Manuscripts department as a cataloguer. By the time I left in 2010, I had developed a deep expertise in the field, particularly in early printing, including incunabula, pre-1600 books, maps, and atlases- areas I remain especially passionate about.
Following my time at Bonhams, I moved to the United States to join Freeman’s in Philadelphia. After a year as a specialist, I was appointed Head of Department for European Furniture and Decorative Arts, overseeing numerous major sales of both private collections and significant individual pieces. In 2015, I was recruited by Sotheby’s New York to lead the 19th Century Furniture and Decorative Arts department. When that division was later consolidated, I transitioned to Sotheby’s Valuations Department as a Senior Specialist, appraising private collections and entire estates across North and South America.
