Authentication & Provenance
Our Commitment to Authenticity
At DeadFITS, authenticity isn't just a promise—it's our foundation. Every piece we offer is carefully authenticated and comes with detailed provenance information. We believe that understanding an item's history is just as important as appreciating its beauty.
Our Story & Expertise
Our collection is built on a unique combination of family heritage and expert curation. A significant portion of our inventory comes from a distinguished family collection with deep roots in early high-level Chicago society. These pieces—ranging from fine art and antiques to collectibles—were acquired generations ago and carefully preserved in private family ownership for decades.
This direct family provenance means:
- Items have clear, traceable ownership history
- Pieces were valued and preserved rather than circulated through multiple dealers
- Original context and stories have been maintained
- Items haven't been over-restored or altered from their authentic state
Beyond our family collection, we actively source additional vintage treasures using the same rigorous standards. Our expertise spans Art Deco, Art Nouveau, vintage clothing, sports memorabilia, and advertising collectibles—all from the pre-1990s era.
How We Authenticate
Our authentication process combines years of collecting experience, extensive research, and when applicable, third-party verification. For each item, we:
- Research thoroughly: We investigate maker's marks, signatures, materials, construction methods, and historical context
- Examine carefully: We inspect items for period-appropriate materials, aging patterns, and manufacturing techniques
- Document completely: We photograph items from multiple angles and note any condition issues or repairs
- Verify provenance: We trace ownership history and document the item's journey to our collection
- Consult experts: When needed, we work with specialists in specific categories or time periods
What We Provide
Every listing includes:
- Detailed description of the item's history and significance
- Clear condition assessment, including any wear, damage, or repairs
- Multiple high-quality photographs
- Provenance information when available
- Approximate age or date of creation
- Information about the artist, maker, or manufacturer when known
Provenance Documentation
For items from our family collection, we provide background on their Chicago society origins and the timeline of family ownership. For other pieces, we share what we know about previous ownership, acquisition details, and historical context.
We understand that provenance adds both historical value and peace of mind. If you need additional documentation or have questions about a specific item's history, we're always happy to share what we know.
Our Standards
We only sell items we would be proud to own ourselves. If we have any doubts about authenticity, we don't list the item. Period.
Our reputation is built on trust, expertise, and transparency. When you purchase from DeadFITS, you're not just buying a vintage item—you're investing in a piece with verified authenticity and a story worth telling.
Questions About Authentication?
If you'd like more information about how we authenticate specific types of items, need additional provenance details, or want to discuss a piece you're considering, please contact us. We love talking about our collection and sharing our expertise.