Record before cleaning
Photograph all sides, damage, labels and old mounts. Measure without forcing fragile components. Do not remove patina or old tags to “make it look better”; these may be evidence. Write down who gave you the object and when.
Collect family documentation
Look for insurance inventories, travel records, letters, auction receipts, display photographs and estate schedules. Keep notes about what each record actually proves. A family story may be useful context, but it should remain labeled as a recollection.
Build a simple evidence table
For each record, include its date, source, object identifiers, any uncertainty and where the original is stored. Create a timeline with explicit gaps. Match old photographs to marks and damage rather than relying only on broad similarities.
Before selling or transporting
Research whether local, national or international restrictions apply. Some categories require specialist review irrespective of a family’s length of possession. Seek qualified advice before shipping items across borders or promising clear title.