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Object Identification Service

The University of Pennsylvania Museum was instrumental in the creation of the UNESCO convention for the protection of cultural properties. If an object meets the export guidelines of its country of origin, the University of Pennsylvania Museum will gladly attempt to identify it and/or provide general information, free of charge for private individuals. Policy prohibits the identification of objects for dealers and the authentication or monetary appraisal of any object. No written observations are provided.

Procedures

Objects may not be brought to the Museum for object identification.

Please include the following:

• Photograph(s) of the object(s)-an amateur instamatic or Polaroid shot is perfectly acceptable. Please include a ruler in the photo to indicate the size of the object(s). We cannot accommodate videotapes or electronic images at this time.
  
• Photocopies of objects too small to photograph clearly can be useful.
  
• Sketches of details are welcome but not necessary.
  
• Information pertaining to the history or acquisition of the object(s).
  
• Your address and phone number.

Consultations about your inquiries are made at the convenience of the museum staff. The process takes approximately one to three months.