When we index a vault shelf, the first rule is simple: no device leaves its storage state. Hardware wallets remain off, sealed in their packaging or foam insert, and are identified by external characteristics only.
What We Record Without Powering On
Manufacturer and model — Identified by chassis shape, button layout, screen size, and port configuration. A Ledger Nano X has a visibly different profile from a Nano S Plus without any cable attached.
Approximate era — Packaging design, included cable type, and firmware sticker style help narrow the purchase period to a year or two.
Shelf position — Our tier-letter system (A for top shelf, B for second, and so on) combined with left-to-right position numbers.
Condition — Scratches, dented corners, intact tamper stickers, original box present or absent.
What We Never Do
We do not connect USB-C or micro-USB cables. We do not ask for PINs or recovery phrases. We do not photograph serial numbers that appear only on powered screens.
A Practical Tip for Self-Indexers
If you are labelling your own shelves before a professional visit, use pencil on acid-free tags rather than permanent marker. Pencil can be corrected when you discover a misidentified model — and misidentification happens more often than collectors expect, especially with similar-looking Nano variants.
When to Call an Archivist
If you hold more than five devices across multiple shelves, or if an executor will need to locate specific wallets without your guidance, a professional index removes the guesswork. Request a survey when your shelf count outgrows your memory.