Lo Cantou · The atelier
Vintage Object Provenance, Marks & Condition
Vintage object provenance connects a piece to the history that can be documented. Our records separate maker’s marks, condition and sourcing evidence from uncertain attributions.
What is a vintage object provenance record?
Our object record brings together what is known about a piece: its material, approximate period, marks, dimensions, condition and sourcing context. The aim is to give its next owner a useful account to keep alongside it.
A seller’s provenance record is not an independent appraisal, a customs certificate or a guarantee of an undocumented history. If an attribution is uncertain, that uncertainty belongs in the description.
Maker’s marks, dimensions & condition reports
Each record is organized around the object itself. These are the details to look for when the first collection opens.
- Identity
- Object type, reference and any maker attribution.
- Material & dimensions
- Materials, measurements and weight where useful.
- Period
- An estimated date or period, with its basis.
- Marks
- Photographs and a transcription of visible marks.
- Condition
- Wear, damage, restoration and replaced components.
- Provenance
- Sourcing context and supporting documents, when available.
This describes our documentation format. It is not a certificate for an object currently offered for sale.
Details make the difference
Five well-chosen views can answer more than a long description: the front, reverse, maker’s mark, any damage and the object as a whole. Measurements and close-ups help you understand scale and condition without holding it in your hands.
Our identification guides explain how to begin reading those details, from silverplate hallmarks to oyster plates.
An object you are curious about?
For an identification enquiry, prepare clear images of the whole object, the reverse and every visible mark. Include its measurements, any known history and the question you are trying to answer.
A preliminary opinion from photographs cannot replace an in-person examination or a formal valuation. Enquiry availability is shown on our contact page.