Authentication

What is authenticated

The Institute authenticates the identity represented by the specimen record: the underlying product model, known construction, surviving brand marks, recovered context and chain of custody after excavation.

Evidence hierarchy

Silhouette alone is insufficient. Attribution uses multiple corroborating features including panel geometry, branding placement, sole or hardware architecture, labels, material sequence and historically documented variants.

Specimen numbering

Once attribution and accession are complete, the object receives a permanent Deadstock Boneyard specimen number. That number follows the object through exhibition, private acquisition or permanent collection.