About us
E. William Nash, III, ASA, Founder
Bill Nash holds a BA in English Literature from Emory University and a Certificate in Appraisal Studies in Fine Arts and Antiques from the University of Georgia. He has served Florida and the southeast since 1984 as an antiques dealer and restorer, specializing in 18th and 19th century American, English, and Continental antiques and fine art. He apprenticed under old world Danish cabinetmaker, John Oding, learning the craftsmanship he practices today. In the late nineties, Bill closed his retail gallery to focus on his restoration and appraisal work. He is an Accredited Senior Appraiser designated by the American Society of Appraisers (ASA). He first completed and passed his training in The Uniform Standards of Appraisal Practice (USPAP) in 2006 and has remained current and in compliance to this day.
William Nash, Principal
A native of Jacksonville, William Nash is a graduate of the Episcopal School of Jacksonville and holds a B.A. in History from the University of Georgia, in addition to a Certificate in Appraisal Studies in Antiques and Fine Art from the University of Georgia in partnership with the American Society of Appraisers. Upon graduation from college, he joined E.W. Nash & Son in 2008. William completed and first passed his training in The Uniform Standards of Appraisal Practice (USPAP) in 2009 and has maintained current USPAP certification since then. He is candidate member of the American Society of Appraisers and pursuing his ASA designation with them. He's also currently enrolled in the International Society of Appraisers Fine Art program, as well as being a member of the American Institute for Conservation. He frequently lectures at estate planning councils on appraisal practice and personal property with regards to federal estate tax returns. He is also a past lecturer, writer, and contributor to the First Coast Design Show presented by the Women’s Board of Wolfson Children’s Hospital. You can read more of his writing here as well as follow him on Instagram. In addition to his expertise in appraisals, William’s restoration work and decorative finishes are sought after by designers and collectors nationwide. He resides in Jacksonville with his wife and five children.
our story
Today E. W. Nash and Son is a third generation collections management firm that can boast of being one of the nation’s oldest in continual existence, but forty years ago it was a pipe dream of two insurance guys who loved art and antiques.
Upon graduating from Emory University with a degree in English Literature, Bill Nash III became a regional sales representative for Group Pension Investments with MetLife. After a successful eight years in the corporate world, Bill returned home to pursue a lifelong passion for antiques. At that time, his father, E. William Nash Jr, a lifelong collector of antiques and art, was president of Prudential’s South-Central Home Office and nearing retirement after a successful 38 year career with the Prudential Life Insurance Company. In 1984 Bill and his father purchased the well-known John Oding Antiques in Jacksonville, renaming it Oding and Nash. Long time patrons of Mr. Oding’s shop, the Nashes bought the business and learned the trade. Bill III spent many years apprenticing under John Oding and learning the old world craftsmanship Oding brought from Denmark. That same expert knowledge and craftsmanship is still practiced today at E.W. Nash & Son as they pass it on to the next generation. For over 40 years E.W. Nash & Son has proudly lived up to its reputation of “Florida’s oldest serving Florida’s finest”.
Fondly, remembered as our firm’s Chairman Emeritus, E. William “Bill” Nash Jr, CLU (1925-2018) served as a partner and advisor to E.W. Nash & Son from its founding in 1984 until his death in 2018. His keen business sense and knowledge of the trade were instrumental in the firm’s success. In addition to his advisory role at E.W. Nash & Son, he was sought by many mayors and governors to be on their appointed boards and was a great patron of the arts and education. He left an indelible mark on the community and the company. His legacy continues to this day and you can read more about his life here.
For 37 years, E.W. Nash & Son operated out of John Oding’s original 1917 building in historic Riverside. In 2021 William moved the appraisal office to Lexington Avenue and built a new restoration studio adjacent. After 40 years, we have grown from a retail gallery with a small restoration studio to a collections management firm servicing collectors and designers all over the nation. In addition to our north Florida brick-and-mortar location, William services client collections nationally, particularly up and down the east coast, with frequent rounds in Southampton, NY, Palm Beach, FL, Highlands, NC and the surrounding areas.