Responsible collecting guide

How to Research Old Auction Catalogs

Lot numbers, photos, estimates, annotations and library holdings.

Ancient artifacts are not ordinary secondhand goods. Their archaeological context, lawful movement, ownership history and physical stability can be more important than immediate market appeal.

1. Match exact object

Match exact object should be documented against the exact physical object, likely source jurisdiction, ownership timeline and conservation condition. Record uncertainty rather than replacing it with a confident market phrase.

2. Record sale date

Record sale date should be documented against the exact physical object, likely source jurisdiction, ownership timeline and conservation condition. Record uncertainty rather than replacing it with a confident market phrase.

3. Check sold status

Check sold status should be documented against the exact physical object, likely source jurisdiction, ownership timeline and conservation condition. Record uncertainty rather than replacing it with a confident market phrase.

4. Preserve citation

Preserve citation should be documented against the exact physical object, likely source jurisdiction, ownership timeline and conservation condition. Record uncertainty rather than replacing it with a confident market phrase.

Due-diligence rule: Authenticity does not prove legal title, and a negative stolen-object search does not prove lawful export.

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