The Art Loss Register: Why a Poll?

Last week I decided to launch a poll asking the question:

What does it mean when a certificate from The Art Loss Register (ALR) accompanies an antiquity that is for sale?

Antiquities are sold with these certificates. I have on my desk a sale catalogue of antiquities from Christie's (London) and each item has this statement:

This lot is accompanied by a certificate from The Art Loss Register.

But how does the public perceive these certificates? Are the certificates helping to restrict newly surfaced antiquities from entering the market? What reassurances do the certificates provide?

What do you think? Take the poll.