Authentication & Provenance

Collectors value authenticity above all else. At Relic & Rarity, each artifact is carefully researched, examined, and documented through a rigorous authentication process designed to verify historical origin and provide confidence for collectors.

Our Process

The Research Behind Each Artifact

Learn about the study and examination process used to evaluate and document the historical authenticity of each artifact.
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Ancient Egyptian Bastet cat statue displayed in a modern glass museum case with scroll artifacts under gallery lighting.
Devotional panel depicting Christ studied with historical books during provenance research
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Provenance Research

Whenever available, we examine the documented history of an artifact’s ownership. Provenance research may include references to private collections, estate sales, historical archives, auction records, or documented acquisitions by previous collectors. Tracing this ownership history can provide valuable context and help establish a clearer historical record for the object.
Historic wooden Santo statue undergoing artifact material analysis at Relic & Rarity

Material Analysis

Artifacts are examined to confirm that the materials used correspond with those known from the period and culture of origin.
X-ray imaging used to analyze the internal structure of a historical artifact
Applied when appropriate

Scientific Imaging & Analysis

X-ray imaging, laboratory analysis, microscopic examination, and material testing reports.
Japanese samurai armor compared with museum examples during historical research

Historical Comparison

Each artifact is compared with documented museum pieces, archaeological publications, and known historical examples.
500+
Artifacts Examined, Authenticated & Available for Collectors
Carefully researched and documented
Ancient Egyptian polychrome coffin fragment examined during provenance and historical research

Curatorial Review

Artifacts are reviewed by specialists and researchers experienced in historical objects and antiquities. This assessment considers the artifact’s craftsmanship, cultural attributes, and historical context. When appropriate, we also consult with museum professionals and subject-matter experts in the field to further support the evaluation.
Relic & Rarity Certificate of Authenticity displayed in antique gallery setting with historical artifacts and collector pieces

Certificate of Authenticity

Artifacts offered by Relic & Rarity include a Certificate of Authenticity with a photograph, historical identification, cultural attribution, and a signed confirmation from our curatorial department.
French Revolutionary era military discharge document displayed on a stand in a research library with historical books and archival materials for provenance research.
When relevant

Archival Research

These references help contextualize the artifact within its broader cultural and historical framework.