Responsible collecting guide

Safe Mounts and Display Stands

Reversible support, weight distribution and material compatibility.

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. Support center of gravity

Support center of gravity 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. Pad contact points

Pad contact points 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. Avoid reactive metals

Avoid reactive metals 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. Document mount

Document mount 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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