Authenticity Guarantee

1. Our Commitment

MDP Auction is committed to offering only authentic items. We guarantee the authenticity of all items sold through our platform, subject to the conditions and limitations described below. Your trust is essential, and we place the utmost importance on the authenticity of our lots.

2. What We Guarantee

MDP Auction guarantees that all items offered for sale are authentic, in accordance with their catalogue description. Specifically:

• Asian Arts: all our pieces are certified by thermoluminescence tests, guaranteeing their age
• African and Oceanic Arts: recognized traceability for each object
• Watches and Jewellery: all our watches are serviced and accompanied by certificates
• Work Attribution: accurate attribution of works to the mentioned artists or manufacturers

3. Authentication Process

3.1 Pre-Sale Examination

Before each sale, our team examines every item to verify its authenticity:

• Visual inspection of materials and manufacturing marks
• Verification of serial numbers, signatures, and security features
• Comparison with known authentic examples
• Review of provenance and chain of custody when available

3.2 Specific Checks

Depending on the item category, specialised checks are performed:

• Thermoluminescence tests for Asian ceramics and porcelain
• Traceability verification for African and Oceanic arts
• Technical servicing and issuance of certificates for watches and jewellery

4. Filing an Authenticity Claim

If you believe a purchased item is not authentic, please follow these steps:

1. Contact us immediately at mdpauction@gmail.com, explaining your concerns
2. Provide clear photographs of the item and any authentication elements
3. Include, if possible, a written opinion from a recognized expert
4. Refrain from further modifying or handling the item
5. Do not submit the item for third-party expertise without our prior consent

We will review your claim as soon as possible and may request the item's return for examination.

5. Resolution Process

If we determine that an item is not authentic:

• Full Refund: you will receive a full refund of the purchase price (hammer price + buyer's premium)
• Return Costs: we will cover all return shipping costs
• Seller Investigation: we will conduct an investigation with the seller and take appropriate action

If we determine that the item is authentic, you may:

• Keep the item with no further action
• Request a second opinion from an independent expert (at your own expense)

6. Limitations and Exclusions

Our authenticity guarantee does NOT cover:

• Condition Issues: damage or wear unrelated to authenticity
• Attribution Disagreements: reasonable differences of opinion between experts
• Market Fluctuations: changes in market value after purchase
• Items Altered After Sale: items modified, cleaned, or restored after purchase
• Clearly Described Items: items presented as reproductions, replicas, or unofficial editions

7. Expert Opinions

When an item's authenticity is questioned, we may consult recognized experts in the relevant field, including specialists in Asian arts, African and Oceanic arts, watches and jewellery, or modern and contemporary art.

8. Preventive Measures

To ensure the authenticity of our lots, we:

• Perform rigorous verification of our consignors
• Continuously train our team in detection techniques
• Use appropriate inspection tools (UV lamps, magnifying glasses, etc.)
• Maintain relationships with official manufacturers and distributors
• Report any suspected counterfeits to the competent authorities

9. Contact

For any questions regarding our authenticity guarantee or to file a claim, please contact:
MDP Auction
Email : mdpauction@gmail.com
Téléphone : +41 76 325 19 19
Message subject: "Authenticity Inquiry – Lot #[number]"
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