Definition
Documentation encompasses all supporting materials that establish an alternative asset’s authenticity, ownership history, condition, and value. This includes purchase receipts, certificates of authenticity, exhibition records, publication references, conservation reports, and insurance appraisals.
Significance in Alternative Asset Valuation
Comprehensive documentation directly impacts value:
Value enhancement:
- Certificates from recognized authorities add credibility
- Exhibition and publication history increases scholarly importance
- Detailed provenance documentation reduces title risk
- Conservation records provide condition transparency
Essential documents:
- Purchase records: Original receipts, invoices, auction records
- Authentication: Expert opinions, certificates, scientific analysis
- Condition: Conservation reports, examination records
- Provenance: Ownership history, exhibition catalogs, publication references
Documentation gaps:
- Missing records create uncertainty and reduce value
- Lack of authentication for unsigned or unattributed works is problematic
- Incomplete provenance may indicate title issues
Maintaining organized documentation is essential for insurance claims, estate planning, and eventual sale. Lost documentation can significantly impact realizable value.
How Impossival Approaches This
We record and track available documentation as part of our valuation process, noting what materials exist and identifying gaps that may affect value or marketability. Our platform helps organize documentation for collections.
Related Concepts
• Provenance - Ownership history documentation • Authentication - Verification of genuineness • Chain of Title - Documented ownership sequence • Condition Report - Physical state documentation