Antique Reproductions

Researching Antiques

It is important to research the antique in order to tell if the object is an original or a reproduction. Reference books are available in libraries and bookstores, explaining the history of the craftsman or company that made the piece as well as giving information about the specific antique.

Recognizing Antique Reproductions

You must consider many aspects to determine if an object is an original or an antique reproduction. This is a place to start.

Details

A photograph, drawing or description of the original antique should be found to compare it to your piece. Examine the various small details. For instance, you can check to see if your antique is painted in the exact areas as the original, while certain reproductions, like pottery, have decals where paint should be. You can also compare the design patterns as well as the refinement of the details. In fact, the size of the reproduction might be the only way to detect its inauthenticty.

Marks

Artisans often place marks, like a signature or logo, on their objects. Many types of antiques have this mark, including glass, porcelain and silver. There are reference books as well as websites of marks to study.

Some antiques also have patent numbers or, in the case of European china and porcelain, registry dates to help determine if you have an original or a reproduction. The United States Patent and Trademark Office opened in 1836. The patent number tells when the patent was issued and helps date many antiques such as clocks.

Wear

Antiques can have patterns of wear. An object that is old is often worn at certain places consistent with its function. For instance, one would expect an old cane to have a handle that shows more wear than a new cane.

Material

Antique reproductions aren’t always made from the same material as the original. The type of paint or screws used in the reproduction might not have been available the year the original object was crafted.

Price

Price research should be done as well. Check to see what the antique or similar items sold at stores and auctions houses sell for. If the price of your item is well below the current market, then the antique might only be a reproduction.

Summary

Antique reproductions can look beautiful and be extremely functional but may not be valuable. A bureau could have been mass-produced by a large furniture manufacturer or meticulously carved in a small shop by a knowledgeable craftsman with years of experience. Telling them apart takes time and knowledge but can be monetarily and emotionally profitable.

External Reference Links

• American Cut Glass Association
• International Ceramic Directory
• Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks
• My Grannys Attic Antiques - glossary
• AADLA, The Art and Antique Dealers League of America, Inc.
• NAADAA, The National Antique & Art Dealers Association of America
• The United States Patent and Trademark Office