Facts are researched, not copied
IndexFound records independently researched facts and observations. It does not copy collector databases or reproduce protected catalogue text as if it were its own research.
How IndexFound researches Sylvanian Families
Research before certainty.
A Sylvanian figure, accessory or set can be a very strong physical match while its exact release history still rests on weaker or secondary sources. Those are different questions, so IndexFound shows them separately.
Claims carry evidence
A useful source does not automatically settle a fact. We record the specific claim and link the evidence that supports, challenges or leaves it unresolved.
Uncertainty stays visible
Unknown, disputed and incomplete research is not quietly turned into a confident answer. The same principle applies to identification: no confident match is a valid result.
Evidence Quality
A historical evidence scale, not a match score
Evidence Quality describes how well the release or history claim is supported. It does not rise just because a user’s description happens to match strongly.
Strong primary or direct evidence supports the current claim.
Current Index: 0 recordsMultiple independent sources support the current claim.
Current Index: 0 recordsUseful sources support the claim, but stronger primary or contemporary evidence is still being sought.
Current Index: 30 recordsRelevant evidence exists, but IndexFound does not yet consider the historical question settled.
Current Index: 0 recordsWorking research can also be marked Unresearched, Disputed or Rejected. Those states help stop unfinished research being published as established history.
Two different questions
IndexFound Match ≠ Evidence Quality
IndexFound Match
How well does what you described fit this record?- Visible physical clues
- More distinctive features count more
- Conflicting details lower the match
- How much of the important evidence is covered
- Answers to useful follow-up questions
Evidence Quality
How well supported is the release or history claim?- Primary and secondary sources
- Physical or photographic observations
- Independent corroboration
- Conflicting evidence
- Current research status
Research workflow
From source to publishable claim
The working research archive contains more detail than we can or should publish. Public pages show only the evidence, summaries and references that are ready and rights-safe.
- 01
Record the source
Describe what the source is, where it came from and what rights apply to it.
- 02
Capture what it shows
Record the specific text, marking, photograph, physical inspection or catalogue detail that matters.
- 03
State the claim
Write down the historical point being tested instead of treating a whole page as one unquestioned fact.
- 04
Compare the evidence
Record whether each observation supports, challenges or is neutral to the claim, and how directly it relates.
- 05
Grade the evidence
Show the current strength of the claim without turning uncertainty into false precision.
- 06
Revise when evidence changes
Claims can become corroborated, disputed, superseded or rejected as better evidence appears.