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DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 907 — How to Identify What an Object Is Called (Identification Method Guide)
Identifying an unfamiliar object is often the hardest part of appraisal and authentication work because you cannot look up value, history, or authenticity until you know what the item is actually called. Many owners make the mistake of jumping straight into value research or guessing based on appearance, but this leads to misidentification, incorrect assumptions, and overlooked context. The truth is that nearly every unknown object can be correctly named using observable evidence—materials, shape, construction logic, markings, and functional clues—without relying on prior subject knowledge. Understanding how to break an object down methodically is essential for avoiding research dead ends and for ensuring accurate appraisal, valuation, and authentication workflow.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 907 teaches you the complete, professional naming methodology used by appraisers to identify unknown objects using a fully non-destructive, observation-based workflow. You’ll learn how to categorize items, analyze materials, interpret shape and functional cues, evaluate construction era, decode markings or numbers, use reverse image search correctly, compare functional similarities, and distinguish genuine tools or components from decorative imitations.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how to:
Identify an item’s likely category using visual and structural cues
Analyze materials to determine purpose and historical context
Use shape, form, and functional logic to reverse-engineer use
Evaluate construction and manufacturing era
Decode markings, hallmarks, model numbers, and symbols
Use reverse image search strategically for best results
Compare unknown objects to similar functional categories
Recognize cultural and regional design influences
Distinguish real tools from decorative-only objects
Know when an object requires expert naming or authentication
Whether you're evaluating estate items, solving mystery-object submissions, researching antiques, or analyzing mixed-category collections, this guide gives you the structured naming methodology professionals use to identify objects quickly, accurately, and confidently.
Digital Download — PDF • 8 Pages • Instant Access
Identifying an unfamiliar object is often the hardest part of appraisal and authentication work because you cannot look up value, history, or authenticity until you know what the item is actually called. Many owners make the mistake of jumping straight into value research or guessing based on appearance, but this leads to misidentification, incorrect assumptions, and overlooked context. The truth is that nearly every unknown object can be correctly named using observable evidence—materials, shape, construction logic, markings, and functional clues—without relying on prior subject knowledge. Understanding how to break an object down methodically is essential for avoiding research dead ends and for ensuring accurate appraisal, valuation, and authentication workflow.
DJR Expert Guide Series, Vol. 907 teaches you the complete, professional naming methodology used by appraisers to identify unknown objects using a fully non-destructive, observation-based workflow. You’ll learn how to categorize items, analyze materials, interpret shape and functional cues, evaluate construction era, decode markings or numbers, use reverse image search correctly, compare functional similarities, and distinguish genuine tools or components from decorative imitations.
Inside this guide, you’ll learn how to:
Identify an item’s likely category using visual and structural cues
Analyze materials to determine purpose and historical context
Use shape, form, and functional logic to reverse-engineer use
Evaluate construction and manufacturing era
Decode markings, hallmarks, model numbers, and symbols
Use reverse image search strategically for best results
Compare unknown objects to similar functional categories
Recognize cultural and regional design influences
Distinguish real tools from decorative-only objects
Know when an object requires expert naming or authentication
Whether you're evaluating estate items, solving mystery-object submissions, researching antiques, or analyzing mixed-category collections, this guide gives you the structured naming methodology professionals use to identify objects quickly, accurately, and confidently.
Digital Download — PDF • 8 Pages • Instant Access