A Guide to Documenting Your Antique Collection

Documenting your collection means keeping track of each collectible as you acquire it. It’s a good idea to keep all records of each item in your collection in an inventory book. Write down where the piece came from, the date you bought or acquired it, the price you paid for it, the insurance value if your collection is insured, a full description of the piece, including its size, material, and any items decorative. features: a report of its condition, including cracks, chips, tampering, or restoration (update this if you have the part restored); and anything else you know about the object’s history, or “provenance.” The provenance of an object can help in the correct identification and valuation of a piece.

Even minor details can help an appraiser better value an antique piece. Keep receipts for any items you’ve purchased in the same place. It is a good way to show proof of ownership in the event of an insurance claim.

And as your collection grows, you’ll find you have a helpful source of reference, as well as an interesting reminder of how your collection began.

Keeping a detailed record of each item in your collection is also an ideal way to show proof of ownership in the event of an insurance claim. Therefore, any new purchase should be documented and photographed as soon as possible after you have brought it home.

When beginning an inventory of your collection, first make a list of all the items you want to include. Then, write the following information for each object:

• Where he came from.
• The date you bought or acquired it.
• The price you paid for it.
• The value for insurance purposes if your collection is insured.
• A full description of the piece, including its size, what it is made of, and any decorative features.
• A report of its condition, including cracks, chips, alterations or restoration. This needs to be updated every time you have the part refurbished.
• Anything else you know about the object’s history.

It’s also a good idea to keep receipts for any items you’ve purchased in the same place as your inventory. A detailed inventory of your collection is invaluable when claiming against theft or when it’s time to decide which pieces to sell. Proper registration and documentation are important, especially if you intend to insure your old parts.