Is that item you're thinking about bidding
on a reproduction?
Here are some tips to help you determine if
its real or fake:
A black light can be used to tell the difference between
authentic cut and vaseline glass, paper, painted toys, cloth and more. Here
is an excellent link on the subject. ((From "Fakes and Reproductions"
written by Mark Chervenka)
Use a magnet to test older bronze items - Newer
pieces are often made of cast iron with a bronze plate. Magnets will easily stick
to these items. (From "Fakes and Reproductions" written by Mark Chervenka)
Be
wary of philips head screws and hex nuts. These fasteners are often used to fasten
newer reproduction toys and bronze statues.
Also be wary of depression glass
that feels slick to the touch. The composition of some newer depression glass
attracts moisture causing it to feel this way. (From "Fakes and Reproductions"
written by Mark Chervenka)
Read the entire description of an item for sale
on eBay very carefully. There is nothing in eBay's rules that forces sellers to
clearly state that something is a reproduction.
Use a magnifying glass to
see details in reproduction maps including the dot matrix pattern of a modern
printing press. Fold lines are important in maps also. Reproduction maps will
not have fold lines.
Interested in Ancient Coins? There are some reproductions
circulating that do not have any mark stating that they are a reproduction making
it really important that you know exactly what you are purchasing. Here are a
couple of examples of a Charles I Silver Full Crown. The left is real, the right
is a reproduction.
