Object Identification Service
Ever wondered what that coin, pot, or thingummyjig in the cupboard was?
Both our museums operate a free object identification service to the public. We will attempt to identify any objects brought to the museum. If an instant identification cannot be done, we will provide an identification within a fortnight of the objects being deposited, after which depositors should telephone to arrange a retrieval date. Please note that no valuation, whether indicated verbally or in writing, will be admitted by the Museum.
Pair of Roman enamelled brooches.
The Museum will take the same care and precautions for the protection of the item(s) left for identification, whilst they are in its custody, as it does for those in its permanent collections. Except in the case of negligence on the part of itself, its officers or employees, the museum's governing body does not accept liability for loss of, or damage to, or deterioration in, the item(s) left for identification.
When items are left at the Museum for whatever reason, a form will be given to the donor as a receipt. This must be presented when the items are returned to the owner or their representative. Both it and the Museum's part of the form will then be signed by the person receiving the items to acknowledge their receipt in a satisfactory condition. The owner (or the owner's representative) and the Museum will retain their respective parts of the form.
Coin hoard
Neither the Museum's governing body, nor its officers or employees can accept any responsibility whatsoever for an opinion that may be expressed on items submitted for examination. Opinions may be given only to the owner of an item or to the representative of the owner.
Museum staff are not authorised to give valuations, to assist in the disposal of private property, or to express opinions regarding the merits of business firms. It is the depositor's responsibility to collect item(s) left for identification within four weeks of their date of deposit at the Museum. In the event of the item(s) not being collected within that period, the Museum's governing body reserves the right to dispose of the item(s) as it thinks fit after a period of three months from the date of the form.
Special Conditions
If special conditions, additional to the above are agreed between the Museum and the owner/depositor, these should be recorded on a separate sheet, to which the owner/depositor and an authorised museum representative must both be signatories.
