Responsible collecting guide

What to Do When a Restitution Claim Arrives

Pause transfer, preserve evidence, notify insurers and seek counsel.

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. Do not destroy records

Do not destroy records 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. Do not move object secretly

Do not move object secretly 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. Respond professionally

Respond professionally 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. Use qualified counsel

Use qualified counsel 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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