Holden's Archive guarantees that, to the best of our knowledge and based on our research, the historical items we sell are authentic and originate approximately from the date or period stated in their listing. Historical documents and artifacts can be difficult to date or attribute with certainty, so dates, authorship, locations, and other identifications in our listings may be stated as approximate dates, attributions, or informed opinions.
Every item ships with a signed Certificate of Authenticity.
Authenticity Claims
If you believe an item is not authentic, contact us within 30 calendar days of your purchase date. To have a claim considered, you'll need to provide a written opinion or report from a suitably qualified, independent expert stating that the item is not authentic or does not substantially originate from the period represented in the listing. We may ask for the expert's qualifications, their report, photographs, and any other information reasonably needed to evaluate the claim. The cost of obtaining that expert opinion is yours unless we agree otherwise in writing.
Once we receive a claim and supporting documentation, we'll review the evidence and determine whether the item was materially misrepresented or is inauthentic. If we determine an item sold as authentic is demonstrated to be inauthentic, or materially outside the period represented, we'll provide a refund upon return of the item.
How We Review Claims
Authenticating historical material can involve differing expert opinions, so an expert's report is carefully considered but doesn't automatically guarantee a refund. We may review the expert's qualifications and methodology, request more information, seek an independent opinion, or otherwise investigate before deciding. Our decision is based on all available evidence — the original listing, photographs, any provenance or documentation from the time of sale, the expert's report, and anything else relevant.
Items Returned for Authenticity Review
Don't alter, repair, clean, chemically test, disassemble, or otherwise modify an item after purchase without our prior written approval — doing so may affect your eligibility for a refund. If we approve a return, the item must come back in substantially the same condition it was sold in.
Other Returns
We don't generally accept returns because a buyer changes their mind, dislikes an item's appearance, disagrees with its value, or later forms a different opinion about its historical significance when the item was accurately described. Normal age-related wear — stains, folds, tears, discoloration, handwriting variations, repairs, and similar imperfections that are disclosed in the listing or visible in the photos — is considered part of the item's condition, not a defect.
Shipping Damage or Loss
If an item arrives damaged or is lost in transit, contact us as soon as possible and keep the original packaging and shipping materials. We may ask for photos of the item, box, label, and packaging. We'll work with you and the carrier to resolve confirmed shipping damage or loss, which may include a refund or replacement where possible.
Fraudulent or Misleading Claims
We may deny claims we reasonably believe are fraudulent, materially misleading, abusive, or unsupported by the evidence. Nothing here limits any right or remedy that can't be waived under applicable law.