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Introduction  Back
This vetting test deals with an object's degree of authenticity.

It is about weighing (evaluating) the effect of an object's imperfections not establishing an object's imperfections. Neither does it provide any expertise on any pricing.

The test criteria are to be considered as guidelines only, and do not have any official or legal status. However, parties could mutually agree to apply a vetting test as part of a deal.
Establishing an object's imperfections is the sole responsibility of the test observers*.  It shall be carried out with great care and preferably endorsed by qualified experts. In case of a possible dispute, it is suggested to appoint an arbiter beforehand.

* Any person -approved by the test parties- involved in the establishment of imperfections. The more observers the better.
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General
This vetting test aims to facilitate objective and consistent vetting procedures and criteria.
About vetting criteria   level   Back
The criteria database, as applied to perform a vetting test, is maintained by a working party of art historians and experts of which several have a long-standing experience as vetting committee members at prestigious Art & Antiques fairs. To some extent, the database could be considered a summary of accumulated vetting decisions. Due to ongoing re-evaluation, the current criteria are not necessarily the same as those used in the past. The working party will be happy to consider any decent contributions from users and fellow experts.

Evaluation of an imperfection is dependent on two variables, i.e. Level and Category. Hence the vetting results for two different objects, having similar imperfections, may vary substantially due to different level and or category allocation.
Level  level  Back
Deals with the purpose of a vetting test and weighs the status (degree of acceptability) of an object category when applied to a certain level.

Two levels are currently selectable:
 
- Certification test. (strict)
- Exhibition grade I. (strict, some categories banned)

The degree of strictness (or leniency) is expressed by the 'level' correction factor, which is depicted by a grey, blue or yellow ring, or a red dot displayed upon category selection (step 2/4):

= standard credit due to level, some imperfections allowed.

= more credit due to level, more imperfections allowed*.
 
= less credit due to level, less** imperfections allowed.
 
= object category denied, does not qualify for the selected level***.

* very early or rare objects (gothic, renaissance) could be treated with more leniency.
** may vary from 'less' to 'almost no' imperfections allowed.
*** for instance a late 19th century 'Comtoise clock' does not qualify for exhibition at a prestigious International 'Fine Art & Antiques Fair'.
 
Category    category Back
Evaluation of similar imperfections may vary with the object-category to which it applies. 

For instance:
 
- If the detent escapement of a fine and rare 18th century marine chronometer is converted to (replaced by) a platform anchor escapement, it has a much greater (negative) impact on the clock's authenticity than a similar conversion applying to a late 19th century, mass produced, French mantel clock. 
 
- If restoration or reconstruction of a leg applies to a 'one' -leg table, it has a much greater impact on the table's authenticity than when it applies to an 'eight' -leg table.
 
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