# Securing archaeological objects: without provenance, the purchase is the problem

> Archaeological objects: do not buy without documented provenance. Store only what you hold lawfully, and ask the authority if unsure.
> Quelle: https://tresorrari.de/artikel/archaeologische-objekte-sichern · Stand: 2026-10-01 · Tresorrari Redaktion

An archaeological object without provenance often does not belong in trade. In the overview [Security for collectors](/artikel/sicherheit-fuer-sammler) this is a warning text. It does not say how to obtain such pieces.

## What you do

You do not buy what has no provenance. You do not dig where you are not allowed to. If you inherited something and you are unsure, you ask the competent authority before you sell it, post it, or take it across a border. Until then you store it dry, shock-free, and documented, without "cleaning" it, until someone with expertise has said something about it. Cleaning can destroy the evidence an authority needs.

## The folder

What you know for certain, and the gaps as gaps. Photos. The correspondence with the authority you asked, in the document cabinet.


## Häufige Fragen

### Buy without provenance?

No.

### Clean it so it looks better?

No. You can destroy traces. Ask first.

### Heirloom uncertain?

Ask the competent authority before you pass it on.