In addition to describing how some of us feel after a long work week, “antique condition” is a phrase which art and antique handlers use, in my opinion, too frequently. The term comes into play when an item is being picked up and notes made as to its existing condition. In this context “antique condition” is designed to cover a multitude of sins, and save the handler the bother of noting down every scratch, ding, smudge and coffee ring. Hey, the thing has been around the block for fifty years, we can all see that, right? That’s why they call it an antique! Basically a more refined way of saying “used”, this remains however a shortcut that opens the door to problems down the line.

In conjunction with record photography of the piece, noting “antique condition” and leaving it at that, admittedly, does the job much of the time. Despite my managerial grumbling. But not always. Every once in awhile a situation arises where a client will see what they believe is fresh damage, or a compromised area which they maintain has appeared since the piece was last seen  in the showroom or vendor’s shop. So out come the condition notes and photos. The photos may or may not show the exception in question, depending upon the type of mark or loss, and its location. If it then comes down to the handler’s notes made at pickup, and all we have is “antique condition” – basically we have come to a dead end in our ability to firmly establish the problem as preexisting or not. If insured through the art handler, a claim could go either way – but the whole idea of condition reports and notes is to establish condition and avoid gray areas and claims.

Digital photography has helped with this issue, to be sure, and many exceptions do show up in a set of carefully taken photos. But written reports, together with diagrams where precise locations of exceptions are shown, remain the gold standard. Nothing replaces good old descriptive language, and a clear statement of what type of problem is seen – scratch, stain, paint loss, tear in fabric, etc.- together with a note as to its location. These notes are, as attorneys like to say, dispositive ; in the event of a claim they will likely dispose of any question and settle the matter.

Condition notes, prepared by professionals, are meant to be detailed and focused in their findings. You wouldn’t want to see “antique condition” in your medical chart; you shouldn’t see it on a bill of lading, for the same reason –just plain not enough information.

Betsy Dorfman