In 1993, the Getty Information Institute initiated a collaborative project to develop an international documentation standard for the information needed to identify cultural objects. The new standard has been developed in collaboration with police forces, customs agencies, museums, the art trade, valuers, and the insurance industry.

The contents of the standard were identified by a combination of background research, interviews, and, most importantly, by major international questionnaire surveys. In total, over 1,000 responses were received from organizations in 84 countries. The findings of these surveys—published in Protecting Cultural Objects in the Global Information Society—demonstrated that there was close agreement on the information needed to describe objects for purposes of identification. The result is the Object ID Checklist.*

Object ID is easy to use. Just follow the checklist and try to answer as many of the questions as possible. To find out more about Object ID, or to request permission to reproduce the Object ID Checklist, contact:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Take Photographs
Photographs are of vital importance in identifying and recovering stolen objects. In addition to overall views, take close-ups of inscriptions, markings, and any damage or repairs. If possible, include a scale or object of known size in the image.

Questions to Answer
Type of Object
What kind of object is it (e.g., painting, sculpture, clock, mask)?

Materials & Techniques
What materials is the object made of (e.g., brass, wood, oil on canvas)? How was it made (e.g., carved, cast, etched)?

Measurements
What is the size and/or weight of the object? Specify which unit of measurement is being used (e.g., cm., in.) and to which dimension the measurement refers (e.g., height, width, depth).

Inscriptions & Markings
Are there any identifying markings, numbers, or inscriptions on the object (e.g., a signature, dedication, title, maker’s mark, purity marks, property marks)?

Distinguishing Features
Does the object have any physical characteristics that could help to identify it (e.g., damage, repairs, manufacturing defects)?

Title
Does the object have a title by which it is known and might be identified (e.g., The Scream)?

Subject
What is pictured or represented (e.g., landscape, battle, woman holding child)?

Date or Period
When was the object made (e.g., 1893, early 17th century, Late Bronze Age)?

Maker
Do you know who made the object? This may be the name of a known individual (e.g., Thomas Tompion), a company (e.g., Tiffany), or a cultural group (e.g., Hopi).

Write a Short Description
This can also include any additional information which helps to identify the object (e.g., color and shape of the object, where it was made).

Keep It Secure
Having document the object, keep this information in a safe place.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Council for the Prevention of Art Theft
The Estate Office
Stourhead Park
Stourton, Warminster
Wiltshire BA12 6QD England

Telephone and Facsimile: 011.44.1747.841540
Email: info@copat.co.uk
Web: www.object-id.com

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

*Object ID™ is a trademark of the J. Paul Getty Trust. Use of this trademark is prohibited without permission from: The Council for the Prevention of Art Theft, The Estate Office, Stourhead Park, Stourton, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 6QD, England. ©The J. Paul Getty Trust, 1999. All rights reserved.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Please feel free to contact AAA with any questions or comments.
212.889.5404, x11.