There are a small number of professional bodies to help claimants.
Non-profit, expert, international claims bodies
Commission for Looted Art in Europe
The Commission for Looted Art in Europe (ECLA), set up in 1999, is a non-profit expert representative body based in
Tel: +44 (0)20 7487 3401
Fax: +44 (0)20 7487 4211
Email: info@lootedartcommission.com
https://www.lootedartcommission.com
Holocaust Claims Processing Office
The Holocaust Claims Processing Office was created in 1997 and is part of the New York State Department of Financial Services.It files claims on behalf of those wishing to recover art that was lost or stolen during World War II.
Tel: +1 800 695 3318 (
or +1 212 709 5583
Fax: +1 212709 5592
Email: claimsqclaimsques@dfs.ny.gov
Website: http://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer/holocaust/hcpoindex.htm
Commercial assistance
Legal
Many countries have firms of lawyers who will pursue claims on behalf of clientson a commercial or contingency fee basis, ranging in average from 20%-50%. Claimants should seek independent advice before signing contracts so that they are fully aware of the parameters of the contract.
Commercial Register of Lost and Stolen Art
Art Loss Register
The Art Loss Register is a commercial register of lost and stolen art. It enables claimants to register losses and it checks missing works against works on sale at some auction houses and dealers in search of matches.
Originally a free service for Holocaust related claims, claimants are now charged a percentage recovery fee. Claimants should seek clarification of the terms of registration of their losses and, as above, take independent advice on the terms of any contractual arrangement.
Art Loss Register Ltd
First Floor, 63 – 66
Tel: +44 (0)20 7841 5780
Fax: +44 (0)20 7841 5781
Email: artloss@artloss.com
http://www.artloss.com
Advice
If you require more information or independent advice on how you may be assisted in pursuing a claim, please contact the Central Registry at info@lootedart.com, or the Commission for Looted Art in Europe at info@lootedartcommission.com. .