Authenticity & Sourcing

Where Our Items Come From

Every object offered on this website is acquired by us before it is listed. Our sources include:

• acquisitions from private collectors and estates;
• purchases from established antique dealers;
• purchases at auctions.

Ownership Before Listing

• We acquire full ownership of every item before it is offered for sale on the website.
• Each acquisition is documented: we retain invoices, sale agreements, receipts, transfer deeds or auction records confirming our title to the item.
• These documents are stored in our records and can be referenced if the origin of an item needs to be confirmed.

Verification Before Listing

Step 1 — Seller verification

We establish the identity and reputation of the seller and the origin of the item before any purchase.

Step 2 — Document verification

We review the invoice or sale agreement, any certificates, and the available history of previous ownership.

Step 3 — Physical examination

We examine the item itself: hallmarks and assay marks, maker's marks, signatures, serial numbers, materials and weight, overall condition, period of manufacture, and consistency with the stated maker and origin.

Step 4 — High-value items

For valuable or rare pieces we additionally rely on independent specialist review, auction-house documentation, certificates of authenticity or valuation reports.

Step 5 — Record keeping

Copies of purchase documents and expert opinions are kept for each high-value item.

What We Sell — Full Disclosure

Category	Sold?	Notes
Precious metals (gold, silver)	Yes	Gold coins and objects of sterling and gilt silver. We do not sell loose precious stones.
Coins and medals	Yes	Historic coins of the 18th–20th centuries and earlier, from documented sources.
Items of cultural or historical value	Yes	Antique objects of the 19th century and earlier.
Weapons or military items	No	We do not trade in weapons, ammunition or their parts.
Religious artifacts	No	—
Objects of archaeological character	Partially	The catalogue includes ancient objects (e.g. Roman and Byzantine coins). Their sale and export are handled in strict compliance with applicable law — see the export section below.

Export Compliance

Before shipping internationally we check whether an export permit, licence, export certificate or customs declaration is required for the specific item and destination, and we confirm age and provenance where needed. Items that legally require permits are shipped only after the documents are obtained (see the Shipping Policy).

Documents on Request

We provide additional photographs, written condition reports and available provenance documents to buyers before purchase: orders@spartak-antiques.com