1. How is the authenticity of each document assessed?

The authenticity of documents is essential for the collector's pleasure and investment. In the case of Glórias, a number of precise criteria are carefully evaluated to validate the authenticity of each item presented.

A safe provenance

All the people I purchase pieces from are well-known and long-standing amateurs or professionals with impeccable reputations.

Heirs, friends, or colleagues of important figures occasionally offer interesting documents. Before purchasing an item, I gather as much information as possible from the seller about the document's origin and, in some cases, ask for a copy of their ID and a declaration of ownership.

In some cases, Glórias documents were requested directly from the author himself, the best guarantee of authenticity.

Traders and the general public should be aware of the provenance of the pieces they intend to purchase. Without proper care, stolen or robbed pieces are inadvertently acquired. To help combat this illegal market, if in doubt or suspicious, we consult IPHAN, the Brazilian Institute of Museums (IBRAM), and their databases available on their websites – the Bank of Wanted Goods (BCP) and the Registry of Missing Museum Goods (CBMD).

These precautions can prevent the buyer or dealer from becoming involved in the crime of receiving stolen Brazilian Cultural Heritage, stolen or obtained through international trafficking of works of art – conduct described in articles 155 of the Penal Code and 180 of Decree-Law No. 2,848 of December 7, 1940 (deals with receiving stolen property), and in Art. 62 of Law No. 9,605 of February 12, 1998 (deals with the destruction and/or deterioration of cultural assets).

Furthermore, all art and antiques dealers, including auctioneers, must be registered with the National Registry of Antiques and Art Dealers (CNART). The Registry protects dealers from being inadvertently implicated in crimes such as receiving stolen property and money laundering through art. Glórias is properly registered with CNART.

Accurate and coherent information

In fact, the probability of authenticity increases with the quantity, precision and coherence of the information collected about the author or recipient, the materials used (paper, ink, etc.), the coherence between the date and the topic discussed, the handwriting and signature, the rhetorical style, etc. There are several technical elements that allow the expert to evaluate and confirm, or not, the authenticity of a document.

Generally speaking, a complex document – for example, a multi-page letter with old handwriting and some drawings – is more difficult to copy than a simple signature.

Comparisons with other already authenticated documents

There are also professional databases, books, and other professionals or amateurs who can assist in assessments using reliable records.

2. What defines the value of an autograph document?

In the rare document market, as in other markets, it is primarily the relationship between supply and demand that determines prices. The celebrity of the writer and/or recipient, the number of pieces available for purchase on the market, the document's theme and content, its provenance, the medium used, the handwriting and signature, the condition of the paper and ink, the piece's history (previously famous owners, participation in exhibitions or books, loan to museums), the size, and even its fashion are some of the very important criteria we use to confirm authenticity and determine the value—and potential appreciation—of a document.

3. What guarantees are offered?

Authenticity

All Glórias documents are certified 100% authentic: this is our greatest concern and the reason for accurate analysis. A digital certificate of authenticity, signed and stamped, with the document's full details, certifying our responsibility, is delivered to each buyer.

Resell on the website

Because we believe in the quality of our collection, every Glórias customer can resell their document purchased from us here at any time, free of charge and commission.

The guarantee

If any legitimate doubts arise regarding the authenticity of a document, we promise to refund the buyer before confirming the issue. It's worth noting that Glórias was founded in 2010, and 100% of its customers report being satisfied.

Conservation

It is the owner's responsibility to keep documents in a protected location with adequate light, humidity, and temperature. Documents must also be protected from theft, fire, or water damage. Consult the complete guide on this topic to understand how to optimally preserve your assets.

Example of certificate of authenticity and warranty

 

Glórias is also a member of ABLA (Brazilian Association of Antiquarian Booksellers) and ILAB (International League of Antiquarian Booksellers) , which demonstrates our serious work for over a decade, recognized by our peers.

4. Can I order a document that is not part of the collection?

Do you admire the painter Vincent Van Gogh, the Amazon rainforest, or American scientists? If you're looking for a rare document about a specific personality or topic that isn't currently in our catalog, we can try to find it for you. We collaborate with dozens of amateur and professional collectors around the world.

5. Is it possible to view and manipulate the documents?

You can't see the documents for yourself yet: in the future, we'd like to organize themed exhibitions and eventually open a gallery or museum. However, upon request, we can send you free high-definition images, as well as all available information about the document, to help you with your research.

6. How much does shipping cost?

Currently, domestic shipping (Brazil)—on average R$50—is complimentary: it includes packaging, insurance, taxes, and carrier fees. Deliveries outside Brazil are charged R$300 (approximately US$50).

7. What are the payment methods?

With credit card, payment in up to 5 interest-free installments or a 5% discount for cash payment. For other options, contact us at contato@glorias.com.br or WhatsApp (31) 98221 5758

PayPal Account | PayPal-protected payments for Brazilian and international customers. Instant approval.

Credit Card | Paypal-protected payment for Brazilian and international customers: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Instant approval.

Bank transfer | Immediate approval.

Company: Polymath/Glorias
ITAU PJ - Bank: 341
Agency: 4450
Account: 98351-7

Pix | Immediate approval. Payment method for Brazilian customers only. Pix code : 31 98221 5758, Polymath/Glórias company .

It is not possible to pay by debit card.

8. Is it possible to get a discount ?

• Payment in up to 5 interest-free installments or 5% discount for cash payment.

• We are, however, always open to proposals when there is interest in purchasing several pieces.

9. What is the purchasing procedure?

1. After payment confirmation, we'll email you a signed and stamped PDF certificate of authenticity and warranty within 48 hours. This validates all your information. The document will still appear on the website, but in the "not available" category. In addition to the certificate, you'll receive tips on how to properly preserve your document.

2. After validating your information on the certificate, we prepare and ship your order. We'll provide you with the tracking number so we can track the delivery together. Delivery time is 10-15 business days. During this period, you'll receive email updates every Monday.

10. Do I have to pay taxes?

• There are no taxes on domestic shipments.
  
  
• There are two taxes levied on international shipments: import tax, which is a federal tax and has a rate of 60% , and the Tax on the Circulation of Goods and Services (ICMS), which is the responsibility of the states and is equivalent to 17%. To find out if an international purchase has been taxed, simply access the Correios app and click on the "My Imports" section. Then, enter the package's tracking code and check the shipping status. If the message "Awaiting Payment" appears, the purchase has been taxed and the fee must be paid online to receive your package.

11. What will I receive at home?

For added security, we use discreet, rigid envelopes, sent via registered mail. The document is well protected. Each document is placed in a protective folder made of neutral (acid-free) paper, which allows for optimal conservation over time, and is delivered in an elegant presentation folder.

12. Can I track my purchase?

Yes. You'll be kept informed at every stage of your purchase, from payment to delivery. With the postal service tracking code, you can track your delivery on the websites listed.

13. What are the best conditions for preserving a document?

Storage temperature and humidity , atmospheric pollution, mishandling, or improper storage can damage your collection. Certain procedures can extend its useful life and effectively contribute to preventive conservation:

1. Handle the works with both hands clean and using cotton gloves, always on a smooth surface.

2. Do not overlap works in direct contact; if necessary, use neutral cardboard sheets, which will hinder the possible migration of chemical additives from one to the other.

3. Avoid any surface or object that causes abrasion or marks on the work.

4. Do not use adhesive tapes – due to their chemical composition – or metal fasteners in the works.

5. Store works in a vertical position, avoiding compression with the aid of bookcases, in envelopes and/or boxes made of neutral and chemically stable material; large works must be stored horizontally, with a maximum of three volumes stacked on top of each other.

6. Avoid the presence of any type of food in the place where the works are stored and handled.

14. How can I authenticate a rare document from my collection?

We work exclusively online, and it's not possible to definitively authenticate documents without having them in hand. However, we welcome feedback on your documents, using high-definition images, for a fixed fee per document: you then receive a digital document with our evaluation.

15. I have some documents that seem valuable to me, how can I sell them?

Your documents, when relevant, can be purchased by Glórias or simply presented to our audience of researchers, students, and curious individuals. We respect each client's wishes and strive to provide personalized advice. Negotiations and transactions are completely transparent and discreet. While typically quick, these processes take longer when outside expertise (translators, historians, paleographers, etc.) is required or when the document is of interest to collectors or international institutions.

16. I agreed to sell my document to Glórias, what is the next step?

We've negotiated the price of your document, you've made your decision, now all you need to do is send your bank details, your CPF, and the document—well-protected and securely—to one of our offices in France or Brazil for review by our team. On the same day of delivery, we validate the document's authenticity and condition, and make the payment via bank transfer to your account. If the document isn't validated, we'll return it free of charge within 10 business days.

How to send your document securely?

17. Do you evaluate and buy stamps, coins, books or antique objects?

We are specialists in rare autograph documents, we do not work with stamps, coins, books or antique objects, except when the books have a valuable dedication or when the objects belonged to a great historical figure (memorabilia).

To appraise or sell old stamps or coins, we recommend going to Facebook and typing related words in the search field: philately, philatelists, stamps, numismatics, numismatists, coins, etc. This way, you'll discover groups of people interested in old stamps or coins who can appraise—and perhaps buy—your collection.

For old books without inscriptions, we recommend looking for second-hand bookstores in your city or in the larger cities closest to your home, or online second-hand bookstores; they are specialists.

For antiques, we recommend looking for antique dealers in your city or the capital closest to your home, as they are specialists, or searching for similar items on the Facebook marketplace.