Bennett's offers two types of certificates of authenticity: Our standard COA and our COA with Micro Photos. Each artifact submitted is thoroughly examined for evidence of age or signs of modern manufacturing or tampering (rechipping/restoration). Bennett's uitilizes state-of-the-art magnification equipment including stereoscopic microscopy and high-definition digital magnification equipment. For identifying the presence of modern alterations, ultraviolet light inspection equipment is used.

Evidence of authenticity or modern manufacture is derived by a study of the artifact's surface and the analysis of:

-surface weathering patterns
-hinge fracture analysis
-patination analysis
-evidence of ancient use wear patterns
-surface degradation
-applied patination residue
-modern tool marks (signatures)

Bennett's certificates feature many security measures to guard against reproduction certificates being issued in the future, and all certificates can be instantly verified on this websites home page.

Standard Certificate of Authenticity

Our standard certificate of authenticity measures 5 1/8" x 8" and was designed to easily fit into a priority mail package without needing to be folded. Our standard certificate features an attractive and professionally taken full color artifact photograph.

Certificate of Authenticity with Micro Photos

Bennett's Micro Photo Certificate is perfect for those looking for the "next level" of authenticity documentation. This 8" x 11" certificate not only includes all the information present on our Standard COA, but also features up to 5 additional microscopic photos of the evidence found on the artifacts surface with additional explaination documentation.   

* The prime focus of Bennett's examination is to determine authenticity. If material type or artifact style is known, it will be listed on the certificate.

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