If you are considering getting in touch with an antiquities dealer, you need to be certain he or she is an expert in what he or she does. You require some type of credibility. One of the ways you can be certain the antiquities dealer you select in the United States is a viable and respectable individual is to look at his or her credentials. Among the noted associations and groups the dealer may mention in a profile or summary should be two significant ones: the AADL and the CINOA. In the United States, the AADL is of particular importance.
What Is the AADLA?
The initials AADLA stand for the Art and Antique Dealers League of America, Inc. it is an offshoot of a group founded in 1926 by the Antiques Dealers Luncheon Club. This group of individuals met that year for a luncheon at the Madison Hotel in New York City. On this particularly memorable day, they decided to create the Antique and Decorative Arts League (AADAL). Their intent was to make sure the trade maintained proper and appropriate high standards while helping the public to better understand the business. The early founders included an expert in Spanish art, James P. Montllor and Charles J. Duveen, the first president of the organization. He was a distinguished dealer and collector in his time.
The AADL remained active from that point onwards. However, in 1942, the members and executive decided the name did not encompass enough. It was not truly expressive of the entire world that the term “antiques” collected. They wanted to embrace other aspects of their field including antiquities and ancient items of cultural significance. The result was a name change to the present one – the Art and Antique Dealers League of America, Inc.
What Does the AADL Do?
The AADL is a nonprofit membership organization. It is non-partisan in its intention to not only serve the best interests of both the sellers and purchasers antique works of art, but also to be instrumental in educating and promoting endeavors that favor and support the arts overall.
How an Antiquities Dealer Becomes a Member
In order for an antiquities dealer to become a member of AADL, he or she:
- Must be well-established in their area
- Must be vendors and buyers of only high quality items
- Must observe the specific code of ethics established by the association
If you are wondering whether the antiquities dealer you are considering is a member of the AADL of America, check his windows or wall. Somewhere on his premises, usually prominently displayed, you should find two items. These are a blue and gold plaque and a Member Certificate. Both will indicate that this antiquities dealer conforms to the high moral ethics and standards in this business.
If you are searching out a qualified and respectable Antiquities Dealer, why not deal with Medusa Ancient Art, since 1996, we have provided our services and quality items to both private collectors and public exhibitors around the globe. To learn more about our rich cultural collection and find out about our impeccable customer service, visit us online .



