The Kent Archaeological Society Identify section provides a space for sharing photographs, documents, and other files to help determine the nature, date, or significance of artefacts, features, and finds. Whether you have uncovered an object, encountered an unusual landscape feature, or come across something in your research that you cannot quite place, this platform connects you with a community of knowledgeable members and specialists who may be able to assist.

  • We cannot undertake drop-in identifications without prior notice. Please email the curator to make an appointment if you would like to bring in an object for identification (curator@kentarchaeology.org.uk). Please provide scaled photographs on a white background if possible; presenting multiple views of the object(s).

    Please allow 4 weeks for identification visits to be processed, unfortunately it is not always possible to get an appointment immediately.

    It is the responsibility of the depositor to collect any items given to the society for identification once completed. The curator will contact the depositor following completion of the identification. This contact will be in the form of an email using contact details provided during intake. If no reply is received within three months from the date of the email, the Society Curator will take reasonable steps to trace the depositor. If such action is unsuccessful the society will, after a further three months, deem that the depositor has made an unrestricted gift of the object(s) to the Kent Archaeological Society. The Society then reserves the right to accession the collection into its permanent collection or dispose of it as it sees fit. If so decided by the Society, any legal or other fees relating to reestablishment of contact shall be payable by the Depositor.

    All archaeological finds should be reported to your local Finds Liaison Officer (FLO) under the Portable Antiquities Scheme (http://finds.org.uk/database/search/results/q/kent). Details for the Kent FLO are available at: www.finds.org.uk/contacts

  • Identification information provided is the opinion of the identifier only; we are unable to provide an authentication or valuation service. We cannot advice or assistance in the disposal of private property, nor can we express opinions regarding the merits of business firms.