TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS

Photographs are of vital importance in identifying and recovering stolen objects. In addition to overall views, take close-ups of inscriptions, markings and any damage or repairs.

Please put the Object ID scale beside the object you are photographing. Ask your broker or insurance company for the Object ID card. The Object ID card has several important features. The four main colours plus black, white and 50% grey are calibrated and the black and white squares each represent a square centimeter, by which several measurement can be taken.

ANSWER SOME VITAL QUESTIONS

1. •What kind of object is it (painting, sculpture, clock...) ?
   

2. •What material is it made of ?
   

3. •How was it made (carved, cast, etched...) ?
   

4. •What is the size and/or weight of the object ?
   

5. •Are there any identifying marks or inscriptions ?
   

6. •Does the object have any physical characteristics, like damage, a repair or a factory defect ?
   

7. •Do you know anything about the provenance or where you bought it ?
   

8. •Does the object have a title by which it is known ?
   

9. •What is pictured or represented ?
   

10. •When was the object made ?
    

11. •Do you know who made the object ? this may be a person or a company.
    

12. •Do you know the value of your object ?
    

WRITE A SHORT DESCRIPTION

This can also include any additional information that helps identify the object, like colour or shape.

KEEP IT SAFE

Having documented the object, keep this information in a safe place, in a separate location from the object !