Research a find without losing the evidence

1. Build a small evidence set

Photograph the whole object, marks, labels, joins and wear. Measure it and transcribe any lettering exactly, including characters you are unsure about.

2. Ask a question that can be checked

Try “What features support this identification, what else could it be, and what photo would help distinguish them?” Ask for sources rather than a confident name alone.

3. Compare like with like

Look for comparable sold examples where available. Match size, material, condition, completeness and sale date. An asking price shows what a seller hopes to receive; it does not prove a sale at that amount.

4. Keep uncertainty visible

Save the source links, date and the original answer. Note which claims are observations, seller statements or suggestions. If the attribution is the only reason to pay more, investigate before buying.

5. Set your own limit

Include repairs, delivery and fees. Decide whether you would still enjoy the piece if the proposed maker or age turns out to be wrong.

Keep it together in Thriftcraft

1. Open the find and tap ChatGPT, Claude or Muse under Ask about this find. It opens with a question about the find already written.
2. Send a detail photo of any mark when it asks. Ask it to save the answer and its sources with the find.
3. Saved research keeps its own words and sources. It changes the find’s details only when you approve the change.