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How to Request and Read an Antique Condition Report

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A condition report records the physical state of an antique at a particular time. It helps a buyer understand defects and restoration, but it is not a guarantee that every minor mark has been listed.

Request the report early

Ask for a written report before bidding, paying a deposit or arranging transport. Identify the exact stock or lot number. For higher-value objects, ask who prepared the report and whether they examined the object in person.

Ask for precise language

"Good condition for age" is too broad on its own. Ask:

  • Are there cracks, chips, losses or detached parts?
  • Which components are replaced?
  • Has the surface been cleaned, stripped or refinished?
  • Are joints loose or reinforced?
  • Is veneer lifting?
  • Are there active pests or mould?
  • Do locks, drawers and moving parts operate?
  • Are keys, lids, stands or other components missing?
  • What is concealed by upholstery, mounts or framing?

The [AAADA Code of Practice](https://aaada.org.au/about/code-dealers/) expects major restoration and later additions to be disclosed. [BADA's buying guidance](https://www.bada.org/features/how-buy-british-pottery-john-howard) likewise recommends clear questions about condition, provenance and restoration.

Request useful photographs

Ask for overall views plus sharp images of the back, underside, interior, marks, labels, feet, handles, damage and repairs. Include scale for small defects. A video can demonstrate movement, but it should not replace clear still photographs.

For furniture, request views with drawers removed and beneath the frame. For ceramics, ask about the rim, foot, glaze and restoration.

Separate condition from attribution

A genuine antique can be badly damaged, and a reproduction can be pristine. A condition report is not proof of age, maker or provenance. Verify those claims separately.

Estimate the full cost

Use the report to obtain independent conservation, reframing, upholstery or transport estimates. Include tax, buyer's premium, packing and insurance. A modest defect can become expensive when specialist disassembly or matching material is required.

Understand limitations

Reports often exclude concealed areas and may describe only significant defects. Lighting can hide or exaggerate surface differences. Ask whether you or an independent specialist can inspect the object.

Record the agreement

Ensure important answers appear on the invoice or written sale agreement, not only in a phone call. Keep the original listing, report and correspondence.

Pause if access is refused, images are unclear, descriptions change or the seller will not put material claims in writing. Uncertainty is not automatically wrongdoing, but it should affect the price and decision.

For restoration demonstrations and workshop stories, [watch and subscribe to Antique Repair Shop on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop).

Sources and further reading

  • [BADA: How to buy British pottery](https://www.bada.org/features/how-buy-british-pottery-john-howard)
  • [AAADA: Dealer Code of Practice](https://aaada.org.au/about/code-dealers/)
  • [Sotheby's: Expert's guide to collecting English furniture](https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/the-experts-guide-to-collecting-english-furniture)