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Our aim is to produce a Fair of a standard consistently higher than those elsewhere of this nature, to safeguard the public in their purchases as required by law and to give exhibitors a clear guide on the standard required.
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO READ THE RULES, REGULATIONS & GUIDELINES
CONTENTS
| Page | |
| Datelines | 1 |
| Rules & Regulations | 2 - 5 |
| General Guidelines Disciplines | |
| Antique Lighting | 6 |
| Arts&Crafts | 6 |
| Clocks, Barometers & Scientific Instruments | 7 |
| Ceramics | 8 |
| Furniture | 8 |
| Glass | 9 |
| Jewellery | 10 |
| Maps & Prints | 11 |
| Metalware | 12 |
| Objects of Virtu/Vitrine etc | 12 |
| Oil Paintings, Watercolours & Drawings | 16 |
| Oriental Carpets & Rugs | 17 |
| Oriental Objects, Antiquities & Asian Works of Art | 17 |
| Silver & Silver Plate | 18 |
| Treen & Collectables | 18 |
12 - 15 November 2008
STANDARDS COMMITTEE: RULES, REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES
DATELINES
NO DATELINES APPLY FOR BOTH FAIRS
Contemporary works must be original and by nationally and internationally known artists.
Low number limited editions (including prints) are acceptable only if executed by the artist or designer.
ALL EXHIBITS MUST COMPLY WITH THE GUIDELINES AND MUST BE SUBMITTED FOR INSPECTION BY THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE.
RULES & REGULATIONS
AIMS OF THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE
The appointed Standards Committee will examine stock for sale for the following criteria: correct date of manufacture; not genuine; incorrect labelling; additions or subtractions; later enhancements, simplifications, alterations, which change original character, or not in the best interests of the Fair. Any exhibitor found to be deliberately excluding items from the Standards Committee inspection process will be immediately asked to withdraw from the Fair and may be excluded from future Fairs.
1 INITIAL INSPECTION DAY
Standards inspection commences at 1.00 p.m. and exhibitors are reminded that all stock must be labelled and available for vetting at this time. Exhibitors must not leave the Fair until they have confirmed that their Standards check list has been signed by the Standards Committee. Exhibitors should note the Standards Committees may re-visit stands at any time and request that items be removed.
2 SUBSEQUENT STANDARDS COMMITTEE INSPECTIONS
Subsequent Standards inspections commences at 3.00 pm and any incoming stock must be accompanied by a subsequent Standards form and a corresponding movement of goods form, to be handed to the security officers on either the vehicle entrance doors or the stores by 2.30 pm.
3 DURING ACTUAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE INSPECTIONS
The Organisers kindly request that exhibitors withdraw from their stand and out of ear shot whilst their stock is inspected. Keys to cabinets must be available to Committees. Any rejected items will be noted on a form with the reason thereto. Positively no discussion will be entered into with the exhibitors during or after vetting. Exhibitors must comply fully with all Vetting Committee requests. CCTV may not be in operation during the Standards committee inspection process.
4 APPEALS
Appeals must be in writing before 3pm hours on inspection day, and by 2.45pm hours on subsequent days. Due to the limited time available appeals will be limited to a maximum of 3 per stand. Appeals will be dealt with by the Appeals Chairman, who will hear reasons for rejection from the Chairman of the relevant Committee, and reason for re-instatement from the exhibitor concerned. The Appeals Chairman may also, at his discretion, consult any other person he may choose. The resulting decision of the Appeals Chairman will be final.
5 LABELLING REQUIREMENTS
Labels must be completed by commencement of the Standards inspection and subsequent daily inspections and clearly visible. All restoration must be clearly indicated on labelling and invoices. Exhibitors are responsible for the contents of their own labels and the onus is upon themselves to ensure that they are correct. Items not labelled are eligible to be removed from the Fairs. Contents of labels should include:
* Description of Item
* Country of origin
* Material from which it is made
* Restoration details
* Date of manufacture
* Price - in US Dollars or UAE Dirhams (not required for inspections)
* Paintings and Watercolours - name, dates of artists (if known) and medium
Customers and the Fairs require items to be accurately and fully described and justified.
For very small items such as Jewellery a list describing each item by number may be affixed to the side of a showcase on full public display if individual labels are too difficult to produce.
Labelling & Prices for Objects in Glass Cabinets - Exhibitors must ensure that such items are clearly labelled, and the label is clearly visible from outside, showing the price. Alternatively, a catalogue/price list must be displayed on the side of the cabinet, or be clearly visible adjacent to the cabinet.
6 RESTORATION
A reasonable amount of restoration is permitted in accordance with the age of the item, and general acceptability in the category concerned. Restoration must be in keeping with the original character of the piece, allowing evidence of antiquity. Items must not be restored to a level that obscures evidence of age or the extent of serious damage. No Marriages of any kind will be allowed. Any Item having additions, subtractions, later enrichments or any alterations which change its original character, size, or enhance its value will not be permitted.
The degree of restoration allowed is at the discretion of the Standards Committee.
7 SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Exhibitors are requested to behave in a professional manner whilst participating at the Fairs. Conduct which is aggressive, either verbally or physically, towards any member of staff including the organisational team and their appointed contractors, the Standards Committee, Security, Traffic, Catering etc., and other exhibitors, will NOT be tolerated and "the exhibitor concerned" may be excluded from future Fairs or asked to leave the Fair forthwith.
We would advise all exhibitors to carefully select items of stock they wish to exhibit in accordance with the Standards' Rules, Regulations and Guidelines.
Exhibitors with more than 25% of their combined stock listed for re-labelling or removal should be aware that repeated Standards problems could jeopardise their future participation.
No stock should be offered for sale under any circumstances unless inspected by the Standards Committee.
8 ITEMS FOR DISPLAY ONLY
All such items must be within the prescribed datelines, or of modern construction and clearly marked "DISPLAY ONLY - NOT FOR SALE". No modern copies of period design
will be allowed for display only purposes. Lighting and carpets/rugs must comply with vetting criteria even though listed as 'NOT FOR SALE'. Stand lighting for illumination purposes can be provided by contractors.
9 INVOICES
All items sold during the Fair must be properly invoiced in accordance with local Trading Standards requirements. A receipt bearing the identical description as well as your name and telephone number should be given on each sale.
10 FAKES AND OBJECTS MADE TO DECEIVE
Such items will not be permitted.
11 SECURITY SCREENS
Security screens must not be in evidence on your stand during the inspection process. This includes subsequent inspections where items have been placed on stand the night before Standards inspections the following morning at 9.45 am. Screens must not obstruct the inspection process and if you cannot be available to allow access you must make alternative arrangements for the availability of your stock at this time, and inform the organisers of said arrangements. In the event that access is not available to the Standards Committee, then the said items will be removed form the Fairs.
12 ITEMS ON STANDS NOT DISPLAYED FOR STANDARDS INSPECTION
Exhibitors found with such items will be asked to leave the Fair.
13 MARRIAGES
These will not be allowed.
14 FAIRWORTHINESS
Items of poor workmanship, badly restored, in a dilapidated or dirty condition will be rejected.
15 REMOVAL OF REJECTED ITEMS
In the event that the exhibitor fails or refuses to move any item rejected by the Vetting Committee before opening hours on the day in question, the Company may itself remove such articles at the exhibitors own risk and shall not be under any liability for any damage or loss during or after removal.
16 ITEMS SUBMITTED FOR SALE
Items may be subject for inspection or comparison with the stolen goods database thus providing due diligence.
17 TRADING STANDARDS POLICY
Electrical Goods
All electrical goods sold in working order or to be used must be tested and fitted with a current test label. All electrical goods sold as collectors' items e.g. early radios,
gramophones, art deco fans etc. must be invoiced as non-working and sold as decorative/collectable objects only and not to be used. Wiring and plug must be removed. Any mechanical collectables must be invoiced as sold in working order or sold as decorative object only (Not to be used).
Trade Tools Cabinetmakers and clockmakers tools etc should be described as decorative collectables only, unless the article is in full working order.
18 GOODS INCORPORATING MATERIALS FROM ENDANGERED SPECIES The UAE is a signatory to the CITES agreement regarding trade in endangered species. Dealers are advised to check with the customs authorities regarding possible restrictions on the import into the UAE of any items made of or incorporating (irrespective of percentage) animal material such as ivory, whalebone, tortoiseshell, rhinoceros horn, Rosewood and lignum vitae etc. Where the dealers home country is a signatory to the CITES agreement the dealer must obtain an export licence for the same goods. Each country has its own interpretation of the rules. The ability to obtain an export licence does not ensure the ability to obtain an import licence.
19 CONFIDENTIALITY
It is essential that all matters concerning procedures, deliberations and opinions of each member of the Standards Committee must be strictly confidential and confined to the Advisory and Standards Committee.
DISCLAIMER
Whilst the Organisers and Standards Committees of the Abu Dhabi and Dubai International Fine Art and Antiques Fairs do not in any way hold themselves responsible or warrant the genuineness or age description of any article exhibited, visitors and exhibitors are advised that every attempt is made to ensure that articles have been submitted for inspection by members of the Standards Committee to ensure as far as possible that exhibits are fairworthy and comply with the regulations of the Standards Committee.
Turret Middle East Limited reserves rights of admission for exhibitors and visitors.
Correct as of April 2007
REGULATIONS FOR STANDARDS OF EXHIBITS
A ANTIQUE LIGHTING
* All electric wiring must comply with current safety standards regarding earthing or the wiring must be removed completely.
* All items must be accurately labelled and include country of origin and approximate date of manufacture and original method of illumination e.g. oil, gas or electricity.
* Antique Lighting of poor quality or in bad condition will be deemed unfairworthy and rejected.
* Sympathetic conversion to electricity from oil or gas use will be permitted but any major changes to the original construction of the light will not be acceptable.
* Oil lamps: Bases and oil reservoirs should be original and glass shades should preferably be of the same period as the bases. New shades of appropriate design will be allowed but must be labelled "modern".
* Gas and electric fittings: All exhibits should be as originally constructed apart from any necessary conversion to meet electrical standards or the use of any shade carriers required. Single old shades supported on modern shade carriers and labelled "hanging lights" or "pendants" will not be allowed. (The shades however may be sold separately). Reproduction glass shades of appropriate design will be permitted on old fittings but these must be labelled "modern". American table lamps of dubious age will be rejected.
* Candlesticks and candelabra even if later adapted for electricity will be inspected by the appropriate Metals Committee.
* Vases converted to table lamps will be inspected by the appropriate Ceramics Committee.
* Bronze or spelter figure lamps will be inspected by the Bronze and European Sculpture Committee.
* Conversions not historically used for lighting will not be permitted.
B ARTS & CRAFTS
* Refinishing of furniture should be sympathetically carried out, using good natural wax finish. Pieces should ideally not be stripped and re-coloured or overly French-polished.
* Items must be genuinely in the Arts & Crafts style and not be general Victorian or Edwardian furnishings re-coloured or re-styled to be sold as such.
* Items must not be labelled as the product of particular designers, makers,
workshops or regional schools, unless there is available and substantial proof to verify this.
* The original finish and patination of metalwork is preferable to highly polished examples. Metalwork on furniture must be original.
* Lighting will also be vetted by the appropriate committee, but shades should be sympathetic to the style. Unless there is available and substantial proof, labels attributable to individual designers, makers, workshops or regional schools will not be allowed.
* Arts & Crafts textiles and carpets should be in good condition and not "tender" or faded. They must be from the original period and not later copies or adaptations.
* Replacement glass liners to metalwork are not allowed.
* Minor restoration to ceramics allowed, as long as clearly labelled.
* Where possible, country or continent of manufacture and date of same should be clearly labelled.
C CLOCKS, BAROMETERS & SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
Clocks & Barometers
* No totally replaced movements. No replaced dials.
* All dials if not re-silvered, should be clean & legible.
* Replaced hands must be in keeping and labelled as such.
* Re-gilding only acceptable if of highest quality and labelled as such.
* Enamelling can be repaired but not totally replaced.
* All clocks and barometers must be in FULL GUARANTEED WORKING ORDER.
Scientific Instruments
* No later Indian or copies of instruments. Telescopes, binoculars etc. must be in working order.
* All measuring, weighing or calculating instruments must be invoiced as collectors items only or words to that effect. (Trade Descriptions Act - Fitness of Purpose).
* Each element of globes on stands must be inspected by the respective committee i.e. Globes on wooden stands would be inspected by Furniture and the Instrument Standards Committees.
* Globes on silver stands would be inspected by Silver and Instrument Committees. Any globes with gores or horizon rings replaced with photocopies will be rejected.
* All restoration must be fully described.
* Any sand glasses with replacement frames will be rejected. Tickets must have good descriptions and be dated '19th Century Scientific Instrument' or 'Measuring Instrument' - will not alone be acceptable.
D CERAMICS
* Marriages in any form are not allowed.
* Items for display only must be clearly marked 'DISPLAY ONLY - NOT FOR SALE' i.e. flower vases for decoration purposes.
* All restorations must be precisely marked, re-gilded, re-painted or any replacement parts, must be mentioned on the label and listed on invoices.
* All items sold during the Fair must be properly invoiced. Invoices must also state Country of Origin (also factory if possible), date of manufacture and restoration.
* Dating should be more explicit than just 18th or 19th century, i.e. 3rd quarter of 19th century.
* Exhibitors must have ALL items fully LABELLED before Standards Committee inspections i.e. Date, factory, restoration if any. All items labelled to include manufacturer, date and restoration, if any. Items which are not labelled are eligible to be rejected by the Standards Committee.
* Rejected items must be removed permanently from the Fair.
* Badly damaged ceramics will be rejected. Over restored pieces not up to showroom standard will be considered unfairworthy and will be rejected.
* No stock should be offered for sale which has not be inspected by the Standards Committee under any circumstances whatsoever.
* Vases converted to table lamps will be inspected by the appropriate Ceramics Committee. No ceramics of mass inferior manufacture from the 20th Century will be permitted.
E FURNITURE
* Restoration - Amount permitted in accordance with age and rarity.
* Alterations - Conversions are only acceptable if the item is changed from an obsolete purpose to a modern purpose, at the discretion of the Standards Committee, and always providing the alteration is sympathetically executed and indicated on the label - e.g. Linen Press changed to Wardrobe, and converted Commodes.
* Replaced Feet & Handles - Acceptable if so labelled and in-keeping with the piece. Veneers, Cross-banding & Inlays - Replacement up to 25% are acceptable, at the discretion of the Standards Committee, but not whole tops. Later cross-banding
and inlays intended to enhance the value of the piece will not be permitted. Any acceptable replacements etc to be labelled clearly.
* Items of furniture with associated tops are not acceptable.
* Re-gilding - Acceptable if back/underside has an area left visibly old.
* Re-painting/Re-decoration - Poor quality or redecorated items are not acceptable. However, genuine examples of period paint decorated pieces will be allowed provided that the decoration is still in the original style with no added enhancement or embellishment. Any restoration to paint work must be professional and of high quality. The basic original surface and colour must be apparent even if latterly obscured by historic retouching. All pieces must retain their original character.
* Upholstered Items - Must have part of the framework left open for inspection. Photos showing original finish/decoration before restoration would greatly help to "pass" the item. Chairs with loose joints will rejected.
* Blind Panels - Altered to take glazing or grilles will not normally be accepted.
* Replacement Leather or Marble Tops - Replacement marble and leather tops allowed only if the piece had them originally and must be labelled accordingly.
* Later Carving - Is not acceptable.
* Items made in two or more parts - Must not be screwed together nor filled with items preventing the Committee from examining the pieces separately.
* Tantalus and Spirit Boxes Replacement glass will be permitted as long as it is of suitable quality, appropriate and clearly labelled "modern replacement".
* Replacement Glass in Mirrors - Modern replacement plates in mirrors must be so labelled. No picture frames as mirrors.
* Photos showing original state of the item before restoration would greatly help the Standards Committee to pass the item.
* Access must be given to all drawers and cupboards.
* Would all exhibitors please note - mass-produced copies of period furniture made throughout the 20th Century maybe considered not in the best interests of the Fair.
F GLASS
General
* No damaged glass
* Pressed glass unattributable to a maker is unacceptable to the Standards Committee, as are witches balls.
* No items of mass inferior production will be permitted including late cut glass. Items for decoration only must comply with the Regulations regardless.
Restoration
* Reasonable restoration will be permitted at the discretion of the Committee including trimmed wine glasses etc. providing it is clearly labelled as so.
* Trimming that changes the proportions or functions of an item will not be allowed.
* All cracked glass, excessive trimming of feet and rims, cloudiness and later engraving are deemed to be unfair worthy.
* Decanters must be reasonable clean and replacement stoppers must be in the original style.
* Replacement stoppers and shades must be clearly labelled as such.
* Marriages in any form are not allowed.
* Tantalus and Spirit Boxes replacement glass will be permitted as long as it is a suitable quality, appropriate and clearly labelled "modern replacement".
* Poor quality coloured bowled glasses with clear stems, green dumps and pressed glass without a mark are unacceptable.
Labelling
* All restoration, including trimming, must be clearly marked on labels and listed on invoices.
* Invoices must also state country of origin (also factory if possible) and date of manufacture.
* Dating must be shown on labels and invoices and be within a 20 year period, i.e. "18th Century" or "Victorian" is too wide and not acceptable.
G JEWELLERY
* All articles must conform (where required) to the relevant sections of the Hallmarking Act (by law)
* Labelling of very small items such as Jewellery may be a list describing each item by number affixed to the side of a showcase on full public display if individual labels are too difficult to produce.
* Conversions will not be allowed, i.e. small brooches into rings, watch chain tassels into earrings, chatelaines into necklaces - in view of the numerous possibilities, decisions will be at the discretion of the Standards Committee.
* Any item that is new, reproduction, fake, over restored and items of marriage will be rejected, including re-shanked rings. Old cut diamonds in new settings will be deemed new and not acceptable.
* Replaced pins and catches are allowed if altered neatly; lead solder repairs are not allowed.
Organics & Costume Jewellery
* South sea pearls are not acceptable to the Standards Committee.
* Pearls must be of good quality, good form and colour, well strung with a quality fastener. Conversions of broaches into chokers will be allowed if the value of the clasp exceeds the value of the pearls, and if the conversion does not materially alter the broach.
* Amber, jet, coral, tortoiseshell - Must be well strung with no cracks or marriages (no mixed beads).
* American Indian and Ethnic Jewellery - No new jewellery or reproductions. Pre 1920's only.
* Plastics including Bakelite - No reproductions this includes L Stein Jewellery.
* All organics must be clearly labelled.
* Plastics such as Bakelite, Vulcanite and Gucha Percha must state on label.
* No labelling glass beads as French Jet.
* Enamelled jewellery - Only minor repairs allowed at the Standards Committee discretion, and details must be on the label.
* Watches must be in working order.
H MAPS & PRINTS
* When presenting a mixed selection of framed prints, paintings and drawings, to ease the Standards Committee process all prints must be clearly marked as prints.
* Every map or print must be clearly and individually labelled with circa date and if hand coloured, whether colouring is original, later or recent.
* It would be advantageous if the type of production, for example, woodcut, copper or steel engraving, aquatint, lithograph, photogravure is stated whenever known.
* Every map and print must be in decent condition, labelled whether restored or cut down, to be considered fairworthy.
* Chromo-lithographs are acceptable if of good quality.
* Please be aware that there can be very modern restrikes from old plates. Unless exhibitors are certain on the date of maps and prints, they should not be brought to the Fairs.
* The framing and/or mounting must be in good, clean condition whether old or recent. Exceedingly battered or dirty frames and/or mounts will be classed as unfairworthy.
* Items 'for decoration only' must be very clearly marked as such.
I METALWARE
* Base metal - brass, copper, pewter, bronzeware, iron and steel, overall artificial re-patination will not be accepted.
* The pastiche or ambiguous items like candlesticks cannot be allowed even if they are in dateline, copies of the 1920's cannot be allowed as they are exact copies of an earlier period, with the exception of genuine items in the Arts and Crafts style.
* Candlesticks and candelabra lighting, even if later adapted for electricity, will be inspected by the appropriate Metals Committee.
* Sculpture, Bronzes and Ormolu: - Marble, alabaster and sculpture should not be over cleaned. Cleaning, polishing and some replacements acceptable (up to 25% of the less important parts), but must be of the same materials as the original, i.e. marble with marble, bronze with bronze, etc.
* Overall false patination will not be accepted. However, sympathetic restorative work such as re-gilding, re-silvering etc is acceptable if the article was finished in the same way originally. i.e. silver or gold-plating of bronzes either the whole or part, must be labelled as such.
* Resin cast "bronzes" not acceptable even if considered "a work of art". Modern bronze sculpture to be by an artist who has been recognised by having their work exhibited at a recognised venue/establishment and ought to be 'one off' or one of a small edition.
* Non original bases to be labelled.
* The circa date on a label should be as close to the date of manufacture as possible. Alternatively to label a piece as early, middle or the late part of a century is just as acceptable. To date an article as simply 'Georgian' or 'Victorian' is not accurate enough.
* Bronze or spelter figure lamps will be inspected by the Bronze and European Sculpture Committee.
J OBJECTS OF VIRTU/VITRINE etc.
This basically covers all smaller decorative/valuable items other than Jewellery, not necessarily just in showcases . They can be made of almost any material.
All items must bear a fully descriptive label showing if possible country/continent of origin, at the very least. An approximate accurate date and a price.
Enamel Objects
* Enamels must not be cracked or chipped making them unsightly and thus unfairworthy.
* Any restoration must only be sufficient to make items visually acceptable for sale and labelled accordingly.
* Excessive/complete re-enamelled of a base or complete overspraying of a surface to hide re-enamelling is frowned upon but if it is marked and not offensive it will be permitted.
* Over decorating to change any original script or to alter decoration to make an item more saleable is not acceptable.
* New sconces on candlesticks are permitted provided this is labelled.
* As with all boxes marriages are not permitted.
* Replaced glass in patch box lids must be labelled.
European Ivories, Tortoiseshell, Mother of Pearl etc.
* All items must be in good order, not cracked or damaged and any restoration must be sympathetically carried out and marked accordingly.
* Russian Antique, Precious Metalwork, Enamel and Faberge items should be clearly labelled with a maker, workmaster, town/city and date.
* If an item has been restored it should be clearly labelled R indicating this.
* An item should not be over restored as it will then be deemed to be unfairworthy.
* This is made with particular reference to the condition of enamels.
* Marriages of items should be clearly indicated and labelled R. They will then be inspected in accordance with the above directive.
* Objects by particular Goldsmiths and labelled such should be genuine, of that date and by that maker. They cannot be later copies bearing spurious makers' marks. In addition, items that are Post Revolutionary should be labelled as such with a date.
* Modern reproductions of Pre Revolutionary objects will not be allowed in the Fair. Objects should not be damaged to the degree as to make them unfairworthy.
Miniatures
* All miniatures or small pictures presented in the manner of miniatures whether executed in oil, enamel, watercolour or any other medium must be original artwork i.e. not overpainted prints or photographs or any other paint enhanced reproduction.
* All miniatures must be labelled describing the material used i.e. watercolour, etc.
Also the base if it is other than Ivory, i.e. copper, enamel, cartridge paper, ivorene, etc.
* Any miniature, which is damaged and has been restored in a DISCREET manner making it fairworthy, must be labelled accordingly with at least an R and label permitting described work carried out.
* Any miniature, which has been over restored either to conceal damage, over enhance or to change the original image/background etc., in order to improve the original character will be rejected.
* Late 19th or early 20th Century copies or miniatures in an earlier style are not acceptable. Likewise furnishing pictures often Continental "sweetened versions" in the style of 18th Century or "antique style" in "piano key" or over elaborate frames made to look like earlier works will be rejected.
* All miniatures and silhouettes offered must be in a fairworthy condition, which is of sufficient quality to be acceptable i.e. well executed, not faded by sunlight, damaged by water, mildew etc. And displayed in a suitable frame.
* Later 19thCentury 'Pastiches' of quality will be acceptable if they are fully and accurately labelled.
Silhouettes
* Silhouettes must be "ALL of the period" - i.e. Any silhouette where there is reason to suspect that the background has been added or further embellished to enhance the whole, even if the figures are clearly original will be rejected.
* All later copies in an earlier period style even if they are within the dateline of the Fair will be rejected.
* All silhouettes should be clearly labelled not only stating the date and maker if known but should also give as much information as possible about the method of production, i.e. whether it is painted on glass, plaster, board etc. Likewise if they are cutout and laid down etc. NB. Many silhouettes painted on glass (particularly rigged sailing ships or coaching subject) which are being generally offered for sale are younger than they should be. We therefore strongly advise that they should be carefully scrutinised by the dealer before being offered for sale.
All Boxes to include Snuff Boxes, Toothpick Boxes etc.
This covers rectangular, square and oval conventional boxes made in papier mache, tortoiseshell, ivory, etc., as well as converted seashells, ram's horns snuff mulls, carved treen (wood) snuff shoes, coquilla nut figures, and other nuts including coconuts etc., Toothpick boxes, Boite a miniature, sealing-wax boxes; small pocket writing boxes etc., the list is endless but the rules apply equally.
* No marriages such as fitting lids to bases of any description.
* No embellishments such as miniatures or silver/brass inlay or painting added to plain boxes, or any other "trick" to enhance a plain box such as divisions inserted making a fly box or a stamp box etc.
* No later engraving, such as an added date or initials. This ruling applies equally to treen, brass/copper boxes, snuff mulls etc.
* If the fitments are replaced, such as mini inkwells, scent bottles, etc., they must be of the period.
* Boxes must not have damaged hinges or defective clasps - this would make them unfairworthy.
* Any mounts or cagework must be original, but some restoration is permitted in an acceptable way in keeping with the period. This must be labelled.
Tobacco Boxes
* If the hinges are replaced they must a) match, b) look like the originals and c) there must be NO other visible signs of damage to the fabric of the box such as splits or cracks running from the hinge.
* Where the original lining has shrunk/disintegrated boxes must not be re-lined.
* Scrutcheons, handles and all other furniture must be original or accurate replacements.
Papier Mache
* The main fabric of the article must be in good order; likewise the painting and any Mother of Pearl decoration etc. must be complete and if restored marked accordingly.
* Some re-gilding is acceptable provided it is in the original design only to restore and not enhance more than the original decoration - i.e. original very plain trays or those with just border patterns, given central decoration of pictures, Mother of Pearl or gilding etc., are not acceptable.
Tôleware
* Tin by its very nature tends to rust and flake, but all objects offered must be in good order preferably with only its original paintwork.
* HOWEVER, discreet re-painting will be allowed if the article would otherwise be unfairworthy but only if it is not a way of altering/over enhancing the object and must be honestly labelled.
* Any object which is completely overpainted to cover an unacceptable degree of rust or excessive re-soldering, or similar embellishments will be rejected.
Scent Bottles
* All restoration must be sympathetically carried out to make the bottle acceptable and fairworthy, and marked accordingly.
* No bottle must be tampered with to alter and/or enhance its appearance.
* Bottles must be in a fairworthy condition, i.e. not chipped, cracked, or necks re-ground etc. New stoppers will be permitted if they are in the correct style and marked accordingly.
* No new silver spun tops will be permitted.
* No reproductions.
* New glass bottles will not be permitted in old containers even if they have the original tops.
* All bottles must be correctly labelled with date, material, country/continent of origin.
* Bottles produced by cutting away half a probably damaged originally double ended scent bottle will not be acceptable.
Fans
* Fans must have undamaged leaves or be sympathetically restored and labelled accordingly.
* The sticks and guards must be of a piece i.e. originally matching and if restored it must be sufficiently well done so as not to detract from the appearance and labelled accordingly.
K OIL PAINTINGS, WATERCOLOURS AND DRAWINGS
* Labelling: All labels must clearly state:- Artist, Dates and Medium
* Condition:- Everything should be in a fairworthy condition. Restoration should be noted on the label. Items considered not to be in the best interests of the Fair will be rejected at the discretion of the Standards Committee.
* Conditions of watercolours, mounts, prints and some primitive naïve paintings should be given greater care to ensure fairworthy condition.
* Labels must be visible for the purpose of vetting and during the open period of the fair.
* Over cleaning, strengthened colours and signatures and over restored pictures will not be permitted.
* Restoration:- All mounts and frames must be of a presentable standard.
* Copies:- No copies or modern derivatives are allowed.
L ORIENTAL CARPETS & RUGS
* No modern Chinese of any kind including silks and needlework will be allowed at the Fair.
* Carpets or rugs made in Pakistan will not be allowed.
* All contemporary carpets and rugs must be of good quality and from the country of origin.
* All carpets and rugs must be clearly labelled with date and condition and country of origin.
* Cut and shut or badly restored items will not be allowed.
M ORIENTAL OBJECTS, ANTIQUITIES & ASIAN WORKS OF ART
Ceramics: See Section D for general rules.
All excavated Chinese ceramics with a retail value of above US$6,000 for pottery and above US$8,000 for porcelain and stoneware must be thermo-luminescence (TL) tested by an internationally accepted testing centre. This testing requirement will cover all ceramics to the end of the Yuan period (AD1368) and pottery tomb figures to the end of the Ming period (1644). Post Yuan porcelain and stonewares will not require a TL certificate. To have a piece tested, contact:
Oxford Authentication Ltd.
The Bolton Building
Grove Technology Park
Wantage
Oxfordshire
OX12 9FA
(Telephone) +44 (0)1235 770998
(Fax) +44 (0)1235 771021
(Website) www.oxfordauthentication.com
* A TL Certificate does not guarantee total authenticity and all tested pieces will still be subject to inspection in accordance with the regulations. It is recommended that excavated Chinese bronzes and works of art such as wood, lacquerware etc. are also authenticated with a TL Test. Where there is no TL certificate available for bronzes, works of art or ceramics below the retail price threshold, a disclaimer notice must be displayed alongside the piece - the notices are available from the Standards Committee Office.
* It is acknowledged that the test can be invasive and may damage thinly potted objects - in these special circumstances, a TL certificate will not be required but a disclaimer notice must be displayed as above.
* Totally refinished or reshaped Chinese provincial furniture or food boxes will not be allowed. Chinese provincial furniture will only be allowed if of original shape and finish and of high enough quality to be considered an asset to the Fair by the Standards Committee.
* Contemporary Chinese and Japanese Ceramics and works of art are only allowed on 'Specialist Dealer' category stands.
N SILVER & SILVER PLATE
* Later decoration unacceptable.
* Later heraldic engraving and inscriptions are allowed as long as they are noted on the ticket.
* No unsightly repairs acceptable. Others should be noted on the ticket.
* Erasures are acceptable as long as they are noted on the ticket.
* Items of silver with modern glass bodies may be removed at the discretion of the Glass Committee. All replacement glass must be marked 'Modern Replacement' on the ticket.
* Articles that contravene the Hallmarking Act are not allowed.
* All exhibitors trading in silver and gold must display a card showing the Hallmarking Act.
* Plate- Old Sheffield plate-replating unacceptable, but minor 'ragging-in' allowed as long as noted on the ticket.
* Electroplate-Replating acceptable as long as it is noted on the ticket.
* Items of mixed media will be inspected by all applicable committees.
O TREEN & COLLECTABLES
Labelling
* All Treen items must have country of origin on the label. Whenever possible the description 'continental' should only be used when national boundaries are not a limitation of the articles manufacture or use.
* Please double check when ticketing items of ivory that they are not made from bone.
Boxes
* All boxes, whenever possible, should have original interiors and be in fairworthy condition. Boxes with interiors in poor condition or dilapidated will not be allowed.
* If a box has been converted from an obsolete purpose such as a knife box or spoon box to a stationary cabinet or cigar humidor to a small collectors cabinet, the conversion should be of the same workmanship quality as of the original box.
* All internal alterations, modifications and conversions must be indicated on the label and invoice. (Acceptance of these conversions will remain at the discretion of the Standards Committee).
* Boxes with added inlays and restored boxes with poorly matched replacement inlays will be rejected.
* No conversions of tea caddies to money boxes or letterboxes will be allowed nor will any box that has been enhanced in form, decoration or purpose i.e. plain workboxes converted to games compendiums and boxes with later painted decoration.
* Any box or caddy that has been re-veneered or refinished in such a way that its original decoration form or age is obscured will be subject to possible rejection at the discretion of the Standards Committee.
Tantalus and Spirit Box Replacement Glass
* This will be permitted as long as it is of suitable quality, appropriate and clearly labelled 'modern replacement'.
Ethnographica and Natural History Specimens
* Exhibitors should make sure that all exhibits comply with the current legislation re the Endangered Species Act.
* All fossils and minerals should be presented in their natural state i.e. not reworked into eggs, balls, stands or paperweights or other craft objects.
* All horns and antlers must have their original mounting boards.
* Ethnographical, wherever possible, exhibitors should try and research the article and give the country, tribe or area, and be more specific with the labelling of items 'African Mask' or 'Oceanic Club'.
* Any re-cased natural history specimens must have cases of original type and quality. Any repainting to carved wooden fish must be minimal and noted on the label accurately.
Leather and Sporting Goods
* Please ensure when labelling articles described as crocodile or snakeskin that it is the real thing. If one is not sure it is safer to label items as hide, leather or skin in order to comply with the Regulations of the Fairs.
* Luggage and vintage picnic sets must be in good condition inside and outside.
Walking Canes, Sticks and Umbrellas
* Re-carved handles or new handles on old sticks will not be allowed.
* No replacement canes allowed.
* Old handles with new sticks will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances.
* All gadget and system canes/sticks must be original.
* No remounting of handles as magnifying glasses.
Decorative Items/Collectors Items
* Please ensure items labelled ivory are ivory and not in fact bone.
* All goods must be accurately labelled as to original purpose and country of origin.
* All architectural embellishments to be presented in a good fairworthy display i.e. not in heaps as this is not acceptable.
Needlework, Linen and Lace
* Modern Chinese, Russian, or other modern linen or lace will not be allowed.
* Badly darned linen, throws or shawls unless early period examples will be rejected.
* All linen needlework must be kept tidy and displayed attractively.
* Embroidered silk pictures must be in good condition (small breaks in groundwork will be allowed).
Samplers, Stumpwork and other Early Needlework
* Samplers with reworked dates will be rejected as will any with suspect dates.
* Samplers that have been restored or finished at a date later than that of the original manufacture must have an explicit label and an invoice when sold indicating what has been done. No reworking or later colouring of samplers, wool or silk pictures.
* All material fragments, drapes, passimentrie, haberdashery and millenary pieces must be presented in a fairthworthy manner.
Dolls, Toys, Model Boats, Yachts and Ships
* Replacement parts and restoration must be indicated clearly on all labels, i.e. non original dolls clothes.
* Dolls dressed in non-original clothes made from old materials must be labelled accordingly.
* Dolls with replacements parts should be labelled accordingly i.e. new wigs or eyes etc.
* No new dolls heads allowed.
* All teddy bears and stuffed toy animals must be dated on the label and any examples that continued in production after the Fairs dateline will be rejected.
* All model boats, yachts and ships that have been re-rigged or had replacement parts or sails must be labelled accordingly.
* Scale models must be of good quality, poor weak examples will not be allowed.
* Clockwork toys need not be working but must be in a fairworthy condition.
Please indicate on your invoices whether it's sold as a working toy/model or non working collectors items.
Turret Middle East Limited reserves rights of admission for exhibitors and visitors.
Correct as at April 2007
You can download a pdf version of the Rules, Regulations and Guidelines here.