Frequently Asked Questions from Buyers or Sellers
1. How is the authenticity of each document assessed?
The authenticity of the documents is essential for the collector's enjoyment and investment. In the case of Glórias, several precise criteria are carefully evaluated to validate the authenticity of each item presented.
A secure provenance
All the people from whom I acquire parts are amateurs or professionals who have been well-known and recognized in the market for a long time, with impeccable reputations.
Heirs, friends, or colleagues of important figures occasionally offer interesting documents. Before acquiring an item, I gather as much information as possible from the seller about the document's origin and, in some cases, request a copy of their identity document and a declaration of ownership.
In some cases, documents from Glórias were requested directly from the author himself, the best guarantee of authenticity.
Dealers and the general public should be aware of the provenance of the pieces they intend to acquire. Without proper care, they inadvertently acquire stolen or robbed pieces. To contribute to the fight against this illegal market, in case of doubt or suspicion, consult Iphan, the Brazilian Institute of Museums (Ibram) and their databases available on their websites – the Bank of Sought 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, whether pilfered, robbed, 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 (dealing with the receiving of stolen goods), and in Article 62 of Law No. 9,605, of February 12, 1998 (concerning the destruction and/or deterioration of cultural property).
Furthermore, all art and antique dealers, including auctioneers, must be registered in the National Registry of Antique and Art Dealers (CNART). The Registry protects dealers from being inadvertently involved in crimes such as receiving stolen goods and money laundering through works of art. Glórias is correctly registered with CNART.
Accurate and consistent information
In fact, the probability of authenticity increases with the quantity, accuracy, and consistency of the information collected about the author or recipient, the materials used (paper, ink, etc.), the consistency between the date and the subject matter, the handwriting and signature, the rhetorical style, etc. These 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-fashioned handwriting and some drawings – is more difficult to copy than a simple signature.
Comparisons with other previously 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 a handwritten document?
In the rare document market, as in other markets, it is primarily the relationship between supply and demand that defines prices. The celebrity of the author of the autograph document and/or the recipient, the number of pieces available for purchase on the market, the subject and content of the document, its provenance, the medium used, the handwriting and signature, the state of preservation of the paper and ink, the history of the piece (famous former owners, participation in exhibitions or books, loan to museums), the dimensions, and even its current popularity, are some of the very important criteria we use to confirm authenticity and define the value – and potential for appreciation – of a document.
3. What guarantees are offered?
Authenticity
All documents from Glórias are certified 100% authentic: this is our greatest concern and the reason for precise analyses. A digital certificate of authenticity, signed and stamped, with the complete characteristics of the document, demonstrating our commitment to its authenticity, 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, without cost or commission.
The guarantee
Should any argued doubt arise regarding the authenticity of a document, we commit to reimbursing the buyer even before confirming the potential problem. It is worth noting that Glórias was created in 2010 and 100% of its clients declare themselves satisfied.
Conservation
It is the owner's responsibility to keep the documents in a protected location with adequate light, humidity, and temperature conditions. The documents must also be protected from theft, fire, or water damage. Consult the complete guide on this subject to understand how to perfectly preserve your assets.
Example of a certificate of authenticity and guarantee.
Glórias is also a member of ABLA (Brazilian Association of Antiquarian Booksellers) and ILAB (International League of Antiquarian Booksellers) , which proves 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 are looking for a rare document about a specific personality or theme that is not yet part of 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 cannot yet see the documents with your own eyes: in the future we would like to organize thematic exhibitions and later open a gallery or museum. However, upon request, we will send you high-definition images free of charge, as well as all available information about the document, to help you with your research.
6. What is the shipping cost?
Currently, the cost of domestic shipping (within Brazil) – on average R$ 50 – is complimentary: it includes packaging, insurance, taxes, and the fee charged by the carriers. Deliveries outside of Brazil cost R$ 300 (approximately 50 US dollars).
7. What are the payment methods?
Credit card payments can be made in up to 5 interest-free installments, or you can receive a 5% discount for cash payments. For other options, please contact us: contato@glorias.com.br or WhatsApp (31) 98221 5758
PayPal account | Secure payment via PayPal for Brazilian and international customers. Instant approval.
Credit card | Secure payment via PayPal for Brazilian and international customers: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. Instant approval.
Bank transfer | Immediate approval.
Company: Polymath/Glórias
ITAU PJ - Bank: 341
Agency: 4450
Account: 98351-7
Pix | Immediate approval. Payment method only for Brazilian customers. Pix key : 31 98221 5758, company Polymath/Glórias.
It is not possible to pay with a debit card.
8. Is it possible to get a discount ?
- Payment in up to 5 installments with no interest or 5% discount for cash payment.
- However, we are always open to offers when there is interest in acquiring multiple pieces.
9. What is the purchase procedure?
1. After payment confirmation, we will send you, within 48 hours, via email, in PDF format, the signed and stamped certificate of authenticity and guarantee. You will validate all your information. The document will still appear on the website, but in the "unavailable" category. In addition to the certificate, you will receive tips on how to properly preserve your document.
2. After your information on the certificate is validated, we prepare and ship your order. We will provide you with the tracking number so we can follow the delivery together. The delivery time is 10-15 business days. During this period, you will receive email updates every Monday.
10. Do I have to pay taxes?
- There are no taxes on domestic remittances.
- There are two taxes levied on international remittances: the import tax, which is a federal tax with 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 Brazilian postal service app and click on the "My Imports" section. Then, you need to enter the package's tracking code and check the shipping status. If the message "Awaiting Payment" appears, then the purchase has been taxed and the tax must be paid online to receive your order.
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 preservation over time, and is delivered in an elegant presentation folder.
12. Can I track my purchase?
Yes. You will be kept informed at every stage of your purchase, from payment to delivery; with the postal tracking code, you can follow the delivery on the indicated websites.
13. What are the best conditions for preserving a document?
Temperature and humidity of the storage location , air pollution, improper handling, or inadequate storage can damage your collection. Some procedures can promote a longer lifespan and effectively contribute to the preventative conservation of the collection:
1. Handle the artwork with both hands clean and wearing cotton gloves, always on a smooth surface.
2. Do not overlap works in direct contact; where 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 could cause abrasion or marks on the artwork.
4. Do not use adhesive tapes – due to their chemical composition – or metal fasteners on the construction sites.
5. Store the works in an upright position, avoiding compression with the aid of bookends, in envelopes and/or boxes made of neutral and chemically stable material; large works should be stored horizontally, with a maximum of three volumes stacked on top of each other.
6. Avoid having any type of food in the area where the artworks are stored and handled.
14. How can I authenticate a rare document from my collection?
We work exclusively online and it is not possible to definitively authenticate documents without having them in hand. However, we are willing to provide feedback on your documents, using high-definition images, for a fixed cost per document: you will then receive a digital document with our evaluation.
15. I have some documents that I find valuable; 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 the wishes of each client and strive to provide personalized advice. If a negotiation and transaction occur, both are completely transparent and discreet. These processes are usually quick, but they take longer when external expertise is required (translator, historian, paleographer, etc.) or when the document is of interest to international collectors or institutions.
16. I agreed to sell my document to Glórias, what's the next step?
We negotiated the price of your document, you made your decision, now all that's left is to send your bank details, your CPF (Brazilian tax identification number), and the document – securely protected – to one of our offices in France or Brazil for our team to verify. On the same day of delivery, we validate the authenticity and condition of the document and make the payment via bank transfer to your account. If the document is not validated, we will return it free of charge within 10 business days.
How can I securely send my document?

17. Do you appraise and buy stamps, coins, books, or antique objects?
We specialize 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 antique stamps or coins, we recommend going to Facebook and typing related words into the search field: philately, philatelists, stamps, numismatics, numismatists, coins, etc. This way, you will discover groups of people interested in antique stamps or coins who can appraise – and perhaps buy – your collection.
For old books without dedications, we recommend looking for used bookstores in your city or the nearest large cities, or online used bookstores, as they are specialists.
For antique items, we recommend looking for antique dealers in your city or the nearest capital city to your home; they are specialists, or you can search for similar items on the Facebook Marketplace.
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