Jackson Galleries is Internationally known for our objective, unbiased, scientific approach to Artifact Authentication. We pride ourselves on our commitment to letting the artifacts themselves tell us if they are authentic, not hearsay, rumor, stories or associated provenance. Our well-founded artifact authentication method is reliant on a scientific methodology based on known fact compiled and corroborated by numerous related scientific papers by geologists, microbiologists, archaeologists, forensic scientists, and many other related fields. Ego or guessing as was practiced by others from earlier times plays no part. We microscopically examine each and every artifact for specific geologic criteria, as well as evidence of modern manufacture or modern enhancement. Upon completion of the evaluation, either a Certificate of Authenticity is issued, or a detailed letter describing our findings is issued, with copies kept at our location to ensure accuracy and to prevent forgeries.

The Method: Analysis of P.D.S.M.

Simply put, our method, known as the Analysis of Post-Depositional Surface Modification, is basically understanding and identifying through optical means all of the geological processes, (physical, geo-chemical, biological) that occur to an artifact once it is deposited on or in the ground. Specific environmental variables affect a given material in very specific and measurable ways no matter where on earth those environmental variables occur. Under the microscope, we can see these affectations as they present as weathering patterns on the flint itself, or as mineral growths on the surface which are consistent with the environment in which the piece was found. Every material we examine has a specific well-documented model of what happens to it in the natural environment, and when something is out of the ordinary, more often than not there is evidence of modern manufacture which can be determined to be the root cause. Similarly, modern manufacturing techniques leave their own specific marks upon the item no matter how hard fakers try to mask them.

Jackson Galleries
Artifact Evaluation Price List

Please include a inventory letter with your shipment that describes each individual item that also includes your return address and contact information. Wrap all items individually and pack in an appropriately sized box. Please do not ship via padded envelope. We will not be responsible for items damaged in transit.

Please include a standard $10 return S&H fee with all packages (more on excessive size or weight packages). Then please ship via Priority US Mail with either Blue-Sticker Insurance or Signature Confirmation. For ease of processing, please do not mix services with different return periods in one shipment.