Collecting

Collecting Antiquities

By Rolf von Kiaer

This guide is written by Rolf von Kiaer, a partner in Helios Gallery Antiquities in the UK. Helios Gallery believe that ethical dealing and collecting can work in harmony with archaeology and our company maintains a zero-tolerance approach to illicit, fake or smuggled antiquities.

Rolf bought a few ancient coins at the age of six and quickly found a passion for the ancient world leading him to studies in Classics and eventually a degree in Mesopotamian archaeology from The Institute of Archaeology, UCL, London.

Rolf started dealing in 1989, opened a gallery in 1994 and was elected to the executive board of the Antiquities Dealers Association in 2005. He has consulted in several antiques-related programmes and publications, and assists an ever increasing number of museums and institutions in their pursuit of the rare and beautiful.

Collecting Antiquities:

Provenance: Why does it matter?

Provenance is the term used to describe the history of an archaeological object since it was excavated.

This can include where and when it was found, by whom it was owned, where it may have been exhibited or published. Provenance for antiquities is often modest (i.e. "from a deceased estate in London"), but what seems banal now may be interesting to a collector or researcher in 100 years, so always keep paper-work associated with an item and supply it with the item if you decide to part with it.

Provenance adds value to an antiquity, and the day when un-provenanced antiquities become un-tradable is rapidly approaching. Un-provenanced objects are generally cheaper, but this is because they will always have a lower market value and most reputable dealers and auctioneers will not buy or sell them. Many countries already ban the importation of un-provenanced antiquities: it makes ethical as well as financial sense to ensure you avoid smuggled goods in your collection.

Collecting Antiquities:

Authenticity - How do I know something is genuine?

You don't.... Even the most experienced dealers, museums and collectors can be fooled by photographs or even an actual item, it is not possible to be confident in an item without handling it, and even then there may be concerns which require further investigation. This means that you must trust the person selling the item and be prepared to return an item if you believe it to be fake or unsatisfactory.

If you are not confident in your ability to detect fakes, take the items to a good museum, dealer or auctioneer with a specialist antiquities department. Building a long term dealing relationship with someone you trust is the best way forward. Double-check your purchases with another specialist: good dealers are never offended by their clients' concerns for authenticity. Anyone can write almost anything on the internet, the lure of a bargain can temporarily dazzle so apply a little caution before you part with your hard-earned money.

Collecting Antiquities:

Associations

All reputable dealers with large website presences belong to an internationally-recognised antiquities trade association such as the Antiquities Dealers Association (ADA) or International Association of Dealers in Ancient Art (IADAA).

Both have websites with full lists of members, if someone claims membership on their own site but does not appear on these lists they are probably trying to deceive you and we recommend that you report them directly to the appropriate organisation.

ADA dealers not only offer their own guarantees but their objects are independently assured by the association so if you think you have bought a fake from a member, the association's board will independently investigate and arbitrate if required; though buying from a registered dealer should mean that this problem will not arise!

A big shiny website with no affiliations should be treated in the same way as a big shiny second-hand car garage with no warranties, MOTs or log books: you may find a bargain but unless you're an expert you are more likely to burn your fingers. Smaller part-time dealers may not be members of an association but still be perfectly honest, to find those hidden gems you really need to research reputations and the individual items on offer before handing over your money.

www.theada.co.uk

Collecting Antiquities:

Dealers

A good reputation is the most important aspect of the specialist dealer. This is why well-known dealers can charge a premium for their stock: the added value of knowing that you are buying authentic and properly provenanced objects.

Do not believe "testimonials" written on a dealer's website, anyone can write these, but make your own research before buying. Proper research before a purchase is better than finding our that you have been cheated.

Internet chat groups and forums can be a surprisingly good way of checking someone's reputation, random people will invariably share their knowledge or experiences with others who share their collecting interests.

Probably the largest discussion group for general antiquities is AncientArtifacts on Yahoo, many of their discussions are irrelevant but they publish a large list of dealers they consider to be honest and another even larger list of untrustworthy rogues. We helped to draft their guidelines for responsible collecting and we thoroughly recommend giving this a read.

Collecting Antiquities:

Guarantees

Anyone with a computer can print a certificate, therefore they can mean nothing at all. Crooks on the internet play heavily on selling items with "certificates", these have no meaning or value and offer no guarantee of authenticity. Proper guarantees will describe an object in detail or include a photograph so that they can not be inter-changed with forgeries.

If a certificate is not backed by a professional association, you are relying 100% on the dealer being honest, it offers you no legal protection. Always ensure that you are supplied with a receipt: this must contain the dealer's registered trading address, registration number, date of sale, and value and nature of the goods.

A receipt offers some legal protection, especially in association with credit card payments.

What guarantees should I expect from a dealer?

A good dealer will unconditionally guarantee the age, description and condition of an object which they offer for sale. This goes far above the guarantees offered by most international auctioneers. This guarantee will not have a time-limit: if an item is mis-catalogued in any way, a reputable dealer will refund it at any point as long as they are still trading.

As well as the guarantee, a good dealer will also allow clients to return items bought from photographs (i.e. the internet) for a certain period after a sale if the customer feels they are not happy for any reason whatsoever: reputable dealers acknowledge that it is hard to evaluate works of art from two-dimensional images.

Some countries including the UK offer buyers statutory rights to return items bought in this way for two weeks after the sale, we extend this to one month to reflect realistic international shipping standards.

More

Antiquities Dealers Association - Collecting Antiquities

More

Further reading

General help and advice on collecting

Read our advice on buyng, how to spot fakes and tips.

Read how we buy our stock, authenticate and research provenance

 

 

Reviews

Most recent comments

Egyptian Funerary Mask

12th August 2024

Thank you Rolf for another stunning item. I am a repeat customer. Helios Gallery is one of the most outstanding dealership enterprises online.

Rolf always provides excellent service and is an expert in his field.

Brian d

Response from Helios Gallery

Thank you, Brian, the mask is amazing, so glad you like it, Sam & Rolf 🙂

Consummate experts of ancient world antiquities

9th August 2024

Only the quality of your offerings surpasses your incredible knowledge. Thank you for providing the opportunity to be the next custodian of such an extraordinary artefact.

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Brad

Response from Helios Gallery

Thank you so much Brad, delighted you love the little vase, Sam & Rolf 🙂

Bronze votive figurine of Osiris

4th April 2024

I bought a really lovely figurine and I am delighted! I spoke to Rolph and he is a very nice chap, and the figurine arrived two days later. I have bought from Helios Gallery before, after reading glowing reports about them, and have always loved my purchases. Thank you so much.

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Robin Halls

Response from Helios Gallery

Thank you, Robin, Glad you like the little Osiris figure and thank you for taking the time to leave a kind comment about us, Sam & Rolf 🙂

Egyptian sandals

20th December 2023

The sandals have just arrived thank you. Unfortunately they don’t fit me so I have put them in my display cabinet where they look amazing along with the rest of my antiquities. Once again thank you and happy Christmas to you both.

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Martin OSullivan

Response from Helios Gallery

Love this! so glad they don’t fit 🙂 and delighted you love them, many thanks for your comment, Sam & Rolf

Helios - excellent collection of items to buy & excellent customer service

16th December 2023

I have just purchased my ninth item from Helios and will continue to make this company my first choice when I want to buy an antiquity. I always feel confident that whatever I decide to buy is authentic and fairly priced, and the service provided to customers is excellent. Thank you Rolf and Sam

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Andrew Antoniou

Response from Helios Gallery

Thank you, Andrew, for your great comment. and we are really pleased you love your growing collection, Rolf & Sam

Excellent Experience!

2nd April 2024

This was my first time purchasing from this vendor and I couldn’t be happier. Once I placed my order, they personally emailed me thanking me and ensured it would be shipped out the next day. One week later, across the Atlantic – I received my piece. It was securely packed and handled with care. I look forward to supporting this vendor in the future!

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Jean-Paul

Response from Helios Gallery

Thank you, Jean-Paul, so glad everything went smoothly and you’re happy with us and your lekythos, Sam & Rolf 🙂

Geometric oinochoe

8th November 2023

This is my second purchase from Helios. Very happy with the pitcher- just as described in the website. A nice example of italo-geometric pottery. Well packaged as was the previous item. Fast dispatch. Altogether, very satisfied with this purchase. I am sure to return to this seller. Thank you.

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Mike

Response from Helios Gallery

Thank you, Mike, for you lovely comment, we love to hear that you like the Oinochoe, it is a lovely piece, Many thanks Sam & Rolf: )

Terracotta figurine of Harpocrates

22nd September 2023

It’s already the second purchase I’ve made from Helios Gallery and for the second time I am satisfied. Rolf is kind and available to resolve any doubts quickly and professionally. I highly recommend helios gallery to everyone who loves history and antiquities!

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Alessio

Response from Helios Gallery

Thank you so much for you comment, and glad you like the Terracotta, Sam & Rolf

Smooth transaction. Will return.

13th September 2023

Item as described. Carefully packaged and promptly delivered. A happy purchaser! Will continue to visit this dealer.

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Mike

Response from Helios Gallery

So glad you like the lamp, thank you for the kind comment, Sam and Rolf 🙂

ESTIC CONTENTISSIMA DEL SEU TRACTE I DEL PROFESSIONALS QUE SON

7th September 2023

EMPRESA 100% RECOMANABLE PER LA PROFESSINALITAT I PEL BON TRACTE. ELS HE COMPRAT VARIES PECES I SEMPRE AMB LA CONFIANÇA DE QUE ESTIC ACOMPANYADA DE GRAN PROFESSIONALS

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NURIA AUBERNI

Response from Helios Gallery

Thank you Nuria, for your kind review, Sam & Rolf 🙂

Triton figure

26th July 2023

Really happy with my beautiful artefact. Love this business- always friendly and personable. Great swift service too

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Johnny

Response from Helios Gallery

Thank you so much Johnny, so pleased you like the lovely chap, Sam and Rolf 🙂

Redfigure Pottery Shard

26th June 2023

Thank you very much for my ancient Greek redfigure shard – communication was excellent and the delivery was very fast!

I am very happy to adding the first ancient piece to my collection!!!

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Grace

Response from Helios Gallery

Thank you, Grace, so glad you are happy with your first antiquity.

Amazing antiquities

31st March 2023

These people have become my go-to place for reasonably priced antiquities with excellent provenance. I know I can count on them to be ethical and responsible in our dealings, and my purchases always arrive on time or even early at times.

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richard flournoy phd

Response from Helios Gallery

Thank you, Richard, for your kind review, so glad you are pleased with us, we try to have an interesting group of Antiquities for sale. Sam & Rolf

Neolithic flint axe head

5th February 2023

I’m delighted with my purchase, it has exceeded my expectations! The axe head is exactly as described, and was delivered in very safe and secure packaging. Rolf was very courteous and helpful with his communication, which is greatly appreciated. Overall, I am very happy, and I highly recommended Helios Gallery!

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Jeremy

Response from Helios Gallery

Thank you Jeremy, really pleased you like the axe head and many thanks for your kind comment, Sam & Rolf

Minoan blossom bowl

6th February 2023

I made my first purchase from Helios 17 years ago and since then I regurlarly buy Greek items with the same pleasure and full confidence. Once again this Minoan bowl is an excellent item ! I also want to warmly thank Rolf for his great support for administrative questions !

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J.P. Chappuis

Response from Helios Gallery

Thank you, JP, for another kind comment, we value you as one of our longest established collectors, many thanks Sam and Rolf

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

17th January 2023

I bought two exceptionel wonderful greek terracottas.

Fantastic items and fantastic service by the Helios Gallery.

Highly recommended!

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Stefan

Response from Helios Gallery

Fab comment Stefan, so glad you love the terracotta’s and thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Sam & Rolf:)

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