Ever wanted to be the owner of part of history? Cold War split divided East and west Berlin and it is marked by the Berlin Wall which has symbolized liberty and oneness. Although most of its pieces were removed when the wall was torn down in 1989, one can still purchase a chunk of this history. The following article will help guide you on how you can own piece of this historic find known as the Berlin Wall.

Step 1: Research and Authenticate

Some important things to consider and do before stepping out to get in the quest of getting a piece of the Berlin Wall are; As a result, there is a demand for the fake or fakes within the market for these artifacts. Be selective with whom and where you are purchasing your merchandise; go for dealers, auctioning companies or even online selling sites which have been recommended by other customers or which have been in the business for quite a long time.

Step 2: Identify the Area of the Wall Fragment

We had options: concrete segments, graffiti-covered fragments, or sections with original Berlin artworks. This is important in order to know what type of wall fragment you wish to acquire for your collection. Choose if you need an example of the original brickwork or you are ready to buy a replica.

Concrete Segments

We have large portions of the original wall which people take, for instance, to their gardens, public places or museum. Concrete segments are over large and heavy to transport and this may lead to expensive costs.

Graffiti-Covered Fragments

Writing the tags on fragments means that they make for good collector’s items and besides, they are cheap. The sections of such walls are frequently adorned with drawings and inscriptions left by people while the wall was there.

Original Artworks

If you are an admirer of art, you might be in a position to purchase artworks developed on pieces of walls. Many artists over the years have used sections of the Berlin Wall to create their art and thus bearing historical value.

Step 3: Choose a Reliable Source

The selection of a wall fragment can be relatively easy once you have decided on the type of fragment you are looking for; the hard part begins when it is time to source the fragment. Large auction companies including Sotheby and Christie which are reputed globally conduct specialized auctions where they sell previously owned mementoes including pieces of the Berlin Wall. Walter et al, (2010) also found wall fragments on eBay and Amazon but be cautious and ensure that these markets are reliable.

Step 4: Confirm Authenticity

Preliminary to buying, the genuineness of the wall fragment should be confirmed in order to avoid the drawbacks that were mentioned previously. For authenticity ask for a certificate, verification letter from any authorization body or if the work produced has any other form of backup evidence as to its credibility. If possiable it can be advised to seek advice from the experts or people well acquaintances with the Berlin Wall in order to confirm its authenticity.

Step 5: Thi s during the time when you must address legalities, logistics among other issues.

When buying the piece of the Berlin Wall, there are legal issues or limitation in the buyer’s country or that of the seller. Learn about any other import/export law, taxes or permits that are needed for the fragment to get into your ownership. In addition, determine the feasibility of transport and installation more so in case of large concrete segments.

Step 6: Keep and exhibit Your creation

After you have gotten your piece of history, how best can you store it? Cause a wall fragment requires special manipulation in the restoration process, depending of its type, at least in my own experience, you must use special protections against deterioration. One of the peculiarities of precast products is that they often have appendages which need to be repeatedly cleaned and protected against climatic influences. If ever on the other hand you have or come across a fragment or artwork with graffiti, ensure you sandwich it in a glass frame to protect it and hang it as a display in your house, at your workplace or as part of your collection.

Conclusion

However, the Berlin Wall is a cornerstone of history, and possessing a fragment of that wall gives the owner a piece of history in his hands. If you go through the stages given above and conduct some research, then you will not have difficulties becoming a new owner of a fragment of the Berlin Wall. Do not forget to be genuine; only use reliable sources; and do not forget about the legal and practical issues. Having a portion of the Berlin Wall makes one a part of history as everyone will appreciate the message of integration and the continued fight for liberty.