Antiquities Grading

Antiquities are objects from antiquity, especially the civilizations of the Mediterranean: the Classical antiquity of Greece and Rome, Ancient Egypt and the other Ancient Near Eastern cultures. Artifacts from earlier periods such as the Mesolithic, and other civilizations from Asia, Africa, and the Pre-Columbian cultures of Mesoamerica may also be covered by the term. The definition of the term is not always precise, and institutional definitions such as museum "Departments of Antiquities" often cover later periods. Non-artistic ancient objects are more likely to be called artifacts than antiquities. Christie's "Department of Antiquities" covers objects "from the dawn of civilization to the Dark Ages, ranging from Western Europe to the Caspian Sea, embracing the cultures of Egypt, Greece, Rome and the Near East." Bonhams use a similar definition: "...4000 B.C to the 12th Century A.D. Geographically they originate from Egypt, the Near East and Europe ..." Official government cut-off dates are often later, ridiculously later, being unconcerned with precise divisions of art history, and using the term for all historical periods they wish to protect: in Jordan it is 1750, in Hong Kong 1800.

Antiquities Grades

Superb - A completely intact piece with original surfaces and glaze or patina. None but the most minute chipping or corrosion. A museum quality piece. When a fragment is offered, the grading is for jus that portion present.

Choice - An essentially intact piece with much of the original surfaces or patina. Minor chipping or corrosion will be present, not affecting over-all form. It is in this grade that most antiquities are collected. When a fragment is being offered, the grading is just for that portion present. Many pieces in fine collections and museums are in choice condition.

Collectible - A piece that does not meet the standards for Choice condition but is still worthy of consideration by most collectors and museums. When a fragment is being offered, the grading is just for that portion present. Many pieces in important collections and museums do not meet the standards for Choice but are worthy of the collection because of their rarity or other unusual aspects.

Average - The majority of the piece is present although it may be reconstructed. The surfaces may be subject to wear, abrasion or encrustation. Much excavated material is found in this grade.

Descriptive Terms For Antiquities

Complete and intact - Describes antiquities that are complete (whole) and unimpaired. Small flaws should be described.

Complete - Describes antiquities that are whole without any missing parts, but repaired. Repairs should be described.

Reconstructed - Describes antiquities when an item or section of an item is reassembled exclusively of its original fragments. If an absent portion is filled in with a modern replacement, the item is described as restored vice reconstructed.

Restored - Describes antiquities when an absent portion of a reconstructed antiquity has been filled in with a modern replacement (either in the original color or a "patch" color) in order to better convey the original form or shape of the item.

Crizzled - Describes an antiquity or part of an antiquity with a network of fine surface cracks.

Weathering - Describes decomposition of the surface of an antiquity, caused by long exposure to moisture and chemicals in soil.

Iridescence - A beautiful effect of the weathering of ancient glass, which distorts the original color and transparency of the glass, usually in the form of thin, flaking layers with rainbow-like (iridescent) colors.