Abacus
Antique Dealers: Tips For Spotting Fake Antiques
With
the advancements in technology today reproducing fake
antiques is becoming easier and easier, for the newcomer
to the antique world this can be a nightmare, for
the expert they too can sometimes be conned as the
reproductions so closely resemble the real thing.
However if you are a collector who is in the business
in order of making a profit then being able to spot
the fakes is essential, here are some tips when it
comes to helping you make the decision.
When
thinking of buying any pieces it is essential that
you only go with a reputable dealer this is especially
so if you are into antique furniture. Furniture is
one of the easiest forms to replicate with today’s
technology and you should make yourself aware of what
to look for in specific furniture periods as all are
classified by certain characteristics.
It
is essential that you go to as many auction houses
as you possibly can to get a feel of the pieces and
to ensure that you know what to look for. The best
place besides auction houses to get a feel of antiques
is a museum; a museum will have the very best in antiques
and are an excellent guide to the style of that period.
You
should also be very aware of any furniture that seems
too good to be true, if the furniture is very low
priced then it could mean that this is reproduction
furniture. On the other hand however it could mean
that the seller simply doesn’t realise the true
value of the piece and you could grab yourself a true
bargain.
On
the other hand don’t always take the cost of
an item to heart, some people of course want to project
the credibility of an item and this will be reflected
in the price, if the seller is to get you to believe
that the reproduction is in fact an antique then they
will charge a huge price for the item. However it
is when the seller starts to reduce the price dramatically
once they have caught your interest that you should
be aware of as by this time you couldn’t care
less.
Another
big con is that the seller will tell you that the
antiques come from a little old lady who has cared
lovingly for the pieces and they are of high value.
Setting homes up as auctions in homes and putting
an act on is not unknown and this is where the biggest
rip offs occur as the reproductions look very authentic
in surroundings such as this. It is always essential
that you know what to look for and that you inspect
any item thoroughly, also be very cautious if the
seller refuses to let you handle the items or to inspect
them very carefully.
If
the item is furniture and you are buying it from the
home then of course if it has been in use there could
be marks, stains or chips simply from use. Always
take these into account and the price should be haggled
over to accommodate for any markings, this doesn’t
mean that the antiques are reproduction but merely
that they have had wear and tear.
