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One of the most frequently asked questions from
my customers is”how can you tell a copy from the real thing?”.This
is a very relevant question when buying Staffordshire animals
and figures because many copies and fakes have been made .Many
reproductions are still being made today and although they are
not sold by the manufacturers as the “real thing” they
can,when in the hands of the unscrupulous or the ignorant dealer
be passed off to the unwary, sometimes for a large amount of
money! So,apart from the usual advice of buying from a reputable
dealer who will guarantee their stock and give you an authentic
receipt as your proof of purchase, remember the golden rule “let
the buyer beware”.Quite often when we come across a “find” and
we think it is undervalued we stay with the hope without considering
the full facts!In other words we want it to be a winner. Believe
me there are very few winners out there and my first tip would
be to watch out for those moments when you think you are on to
a bargain buy.
So,what are the other things you can look out for?I have summarized
below some tips which I think will be of value,but please remember,there
are exceptions to all the rules.The key is to take a balanced view
of the purchase situation and the item involved.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR;
1.Colours used. Stafford shire pottery has a fairly standard range
of colours.,compare colours from authentic pieces and beware
of “wishy washy”colours and, paradoxically,,beware
of very bright colours also.
2.Look at the material the item is made from,numerous figures are
reproduced in a porcelain body when in fact the original was made
in pottery.
3.If there is extensive crazing and staining it often denotes a
fake piece.
4.Some blue blotches(cobalt) in a thick lustrous glaze(lead)is
usually a good sign.
5.A chalky feel to the base,particularly to the rim is a bad sign.
6.If the item is exceptionally heavy or light in weight be careful.
7.Size..it is worth noting that reproductions made from a mould
from an original piece will be about 10% smaller than the original.(this
is due to shrinkage in the firing process).
8.Most figures dating from 1840 to 1880 are made by pressing two
moulds together,and this can be confirmed by the presence of a
seam down the side of the item. Later items were made from a slip
cast(which is made in one piece)and there will be no seam.Also
the features such as the nose will not be well defined.
9.If you see”Made in England”,Genuine Staffordshire”,”Ye
Olde Staffordshire” watch out!
10.A lot of reproductions are made in China,when looking at the
item think “is there an oriental influence particularly in
the faces?Some of the Spaniels I have seen with Chinese faces are
quite beautiful,but are,sad to say copies of the original.
11.Forget the myth that “if there is a hole in the back then
it is real”
12.If there is scratching on the base this can indicate that a
makers mark has been removed which would imply that the item is
modern.
Please remember that these “tips”are given as a guide,there
is no hard and fast rule.
Handle and look at as much of the real item and then you will be
in with a better chance of avoiding the reproduction and fakes
minefield.If you are unsure ask the dealer “is this a genuine
figure” watch the body language and use your technical knowledge
together with your understanding of human behaviour.........good
luck
See also our page on the Best
of British Antique Pottery Manufacturers. |
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