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