I have dealt with this question in the past.  The whole point of
    the question is determined by what date the museum takes
    "possession," of the piece.  Posession can mean a couple of
    things, but it must include physical possession as well.  If you
    have a letter from the donor stating their intent to give the
    piece in question, or if you have a log of dates and times when
    you have spoken to the donor about this donation, that record
    helps to show the donors intent.  If the donor wants to take a tax
    deduction in '95, then the museum (or a museum representative such
    as a lawyer) must have physical possession of the piece by Dec.
    31. The deed of gift can then state that the gift was made on such
    and such a date, but signed after that date.

    At my museum we use the date we physically receive a piece as the
    donation date.  In some cases, the deed is not signed for a couple
    of months.  Our deed of gift forms always state this date, for
    example:

    Objects (95.001.00001 - 95.001.00002) were donated to the Museum
    on November 1, 1995, by John Doe.

    Then each item is itemized, and the deed signed and dated by both
    parties. We also keep all letters, etc., as well as a log sheet
    recording telephone conversations, letters, etc.

    Hope this is helpful.

    John Handley
    San Francisco