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Cataloging

Professional cataloging is important and expected from each of our Associates. Since all iGavel.com sales are guaranteed for condition and authenticity, it is essential that all lots are accurately and professionally catalogued. Our reputation and your reputation rests in part on this fact.

We offer the following general points and suggestions:

  • Minimize the use of positive adjectives and superlatives. For example, do not use the terms rare, important, significant, etc. unless the object truly is. In most cases, these terms are misused and not warranted.

  • Take extra care to disclose any and all condition issues. These issues are best documented though good photography and clear and succinct phrasing. Be specific, do not use generalities. Stating that an object is in good or fair condition is subjective. Stating that an object has a 1/4 in crack at the base and crazing throughout more accurately describes the condition.

  • Tell the story in photographs.

  • Only state strong and verifiable provenance. Your consignor may be "certain" of some point and present a compelling story; but if it cannot be objectively verified, then don't use the information.

  • Err on the side of caution when claiming work by a specific artist or maker. If there is doubt, use phrases that clearly portray that doubt (i.e. illegibly signed, in the style of, etc.)

  • If in doubt as to authenticity and/or age, collaborate with other professionals and find a consensus. IGavel is always available to help in this regards.

Specific Examples

There are very specific terms to indicate whether a work is authentic or not. Many auction companies employ the terms: Style, Manner of, After, School of, etc. These terms are often used inexactly, and we discourage their use unless accompanied by some sort of statement that the work in question is not considered an authentic work by the artist. Following are examples:

Works from the Period Indicated by the Artist/ Designer

  • George III Inlaid Mahogany Chest of Drawers, c. 1780
    This heading guarantees that the object is authentic as described and from the date indicated
  • William Hogarth (1697-1764), The Rakes Progress, Oil on Canvas
    This heading guarantees the work is authentic and by William Hogarth
  • Italian School, Landscape with Figures, 18th c.
    This heading guarantees that the work is by an unknown artist, is Italian and dates to the 18th c.
  • School of WIllam Hogarth, The Rakes Progress, Oil on Canvas
    This heading guarantees the work was created during William Hogarth's life by an artist who worked closely with him

Works which Copy an Earlier Style

  • George III Style Mahogany Chest of Drawers, 19th c.
    This heading guarantees that the chest is in an 18th c. style, but dates to the 19th c.
  • After William Hogarth, The Rakes Progress, Oil on Canvas, 19th c.?
    This heading guarantees that the work has been executed by someone copying William Hogarth in the 19th c.
  • Manner of William Hogarth, The Rakes Progress, Oil on Canvas, 20th c.
    Same as above but 20th c.

Modern Copies

  • Chest of Drawers, Modern
    This heading clearly states that the object is a MODERN COPY, be aware that many items created in the early 20th c. continued to be made at a later date, to avoid confusion, use of the word MODERN is strongly suggested
  • Landscape with Figures, Oil on Canvas, Modern
    This heading clearly states that the object?is a MODERN COPY, be aware that many items created in the early 20th c. continued to be made at a later date, to avoid confusion, use of the word MODERN is strongly suggested
  • Chinese Scroll Painting, Modern
    This heading clearly states that the object?is a MODERN COPY, be aware that many items created in the early 20th c. continued to be made at a later date, to avoid confusion, use of the word MODERN is strongly suggested

Decorative Works of Indeterminate Age

  • Chest of Drawers
    This heading guarantees the work is a chest of drawers
  • Italian School, Landscape with Figures
    This heading guarantees the work is Italian from an indeterminate date
  • Landscape with Figures
    This heading guarantees the work is a landscape with figures from an indeterminate date

Copies vs. Authentics

  • Figures with Musical Instruments, Signed Pablo Picasso, Modern Copy
    This heading guarantee is appropriate for works which are or are suspected of being modern copies of the work signed by the artist
  • Figures with Musical Instruments, Modern
    This heading guarantee is the same as above but less clear
  • Art Glass Vase, Signed Daum Nancy, Modern Copy
    This heading guarantee clearly states the vase is a modern copy

Lot Headings to Avoid

  • Chinese Scroll Painting, 20th c.
    Many Chinese paintings were created during the 20th c. and are very well executed copies. If you do not believe the work to be authentic or wish to sell it as a decorative item, it is preferable to substitute MODERN instead of 20th c.
  • Attributed to William Hogarth, The Rakes Progress, Oil on Canvas
    Unless you are qualified or have a specialist consultant who is qualified to make an attibution, it is not appropriate to do so.
  • Chippendale Mahogany Chest of Drawers
    This heading is contradictory. By use of the term Chippendale, it infers that the work dates from the 18th c. even though the heading does not include a date
  • Federal Walnut Sideboard, Middle Atlantic States
    Starting bid: $5,000

    Any object with a vague heading not indicating date or origin but with a reserve that suggests the object is authentic, does not clearly communicate that the item is a modern copy.
  • Gilt Bronze Vase
    Starting bid: $10,000

    Any object with a vague heading not indicating date or origin but with a reserve that suggests the object is authentic, does not clearly communicate that the item is a modern copy.

 

Examples of good cataloging:

Egyptian Carved Wood Figure, Middle Kingdom

Group of South African and General Cricket Books

Important American presentation pipe tomahawk, late 18thC

Set of 6 American Chippendale Carved Mahogany Dining Chairs, New York, 1770-1790

Louis XV Provincial Carved Oak Chest of Drawers, 18th C

Cecil Beaton, Gary Cooper, 1930's

Alan Reynolds (British, b. 1926), Black, Russet and Grey, oil on board

Unsigned English School oil on canvas portrait of Sir Alexander Kenymound Murry

French School, 20th C., 'Sailboats and Clouds', Pastel on Paper

Chinese Export Hong Bowl, circa 1780

Large Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Peach Dish, 18th century