Antique Trader Guide to Fakes & Reproductions, 4th Edition [Paperback]

Mark Chervenka (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 6, 2007

Everything is not as it seems, especially when trying to make sense of today's fake and reproduction riddled antiques market. This new edition of the best-selling guide for spotting fakes and forgeries comes to the rescue of collectors with 1,000 detailed photo comparisons of fakes and originals, plus sound advice for identifying forgeries. This must-have collector's reference contains chapters about: China and Porcelain; Furniture; Digital fakes and forgeries; and, Jewellery.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

As fake antiques become increasingly prevalent and sophisticated, it is important to know how to separate the authentic pieces from the reproductions. This guide provides side-by-side pictorial comparisons as well as sound advice on how to identify fakes. The publisher of Antique & Collectors Reproduction News here covers the most commonly reproduced items, devoting entire chapters to such topics as pottery, dishes, toys, African American memorabilia, and silver. Wondering if you have a real Roseville vase? The author describes how to check the mark on the bottom and notes that if the inside of the vase is not completely glazed, it's not the real thing. You can also use a black light to see if an image is a digitized fake (new paper fluoresces). The array of examples is impressive, but the author reminds readers that it is impossible to document every possible fake. Other guides to fakes have been published, such as The Complete Guide to Fakes and Forgeries (1988), but these guides are old and the techniques of forgers have become more sophisticated. This new volume is highly recommended for public libraries with a patron interest in antiques and collectibles. Jennifer Mayer, Univ. of Wyoming Libs., Laramie
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Mark Chervenka is the publisher of the Internet-based Antiques & Collectors Reproduction News, and America's most recognized expert on antique fakes and reproductions. He's authored three previous editions of Antique Trader[registered] Guide to Fakes & Reproductions, as well as Antique Trader[registered] Fakes and Forged Marks.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; 4th edition (July 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896894606
• ISBN-13: 978-0896894600
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #219,469 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great information, but not nearly long enough., July 11, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Antique Trader Guide to Fakes & Reproductions, 3rd Edition (Paperback)

I purchased this book when I became interested in antiques and found myself scrolling the pages of Ebay for treasures. The book is invaluable in pointing out many of the creative ways con artists have ingeniously come up with to defraud the unwary buyer. The biggest flaw of the book is that it is a survey book and hits only a few examples of fakes within a number of widely diverse catagories. I happen to be interested in porcelain and the information the book provided on the few specific areas of porcelain (like RS Prussia and Delft) were first-rate. Unfortunately vast areas of porcelain like figurines in general or companies like Meissen were never even mentioned. This is understandable as the book also covers broadly furniture, bronze, scrimshaw and cast iron lawn and garden items. I would love an expanded series with books specializing in each of the areas listed. As an overview this points out areas of fraud to be on the lookout for. As a specific, unless you happen to be evaluating the exact same item, it is unlikely to be helpful in any one particular fraud question.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Makes Detecting Fakes Easy!, April 1, 2001

By 

Ron Lindsey "bookmantoo" (Pasadena, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Antique Trader Guide to Fakes & Reproductions (Paperback)

Mark Chervenka, editor of the monthly "Antique & Collectors Reproduction News" and noted authority on fakes and reproductions in the collectible and antiques world, has compiled a 304-page compendium that surpasses our previous experts, Dorothy Hammond and Ruth Webb Lee. Mr. Chervenka makes detecting much easier as he loads his book with hundreds of photos displaying the old next to the new. The reader has only to study and to compare and contrast the entries in this book to develop a comfortable understanding of what to look for in detecting the mass of reproductions and fakes encountered in today's antiques and collectibles market. There's just one thing wrong with the book: it's about 50 years overdue!!

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Up-To-Date Essential Guide for Antique Collectors !!, April 13, 2001

By 

Irvin Goodman - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Antique Trader Guide to Fakes & Reproductions (Paperback)

This brand new year 2001 super guide can protect collectors from paying good money for fakes and reproductions. The book's 304 pages covers Art glass, Cameo Glass, Depression Glass, China, Porcelain, Scientific Instruments, Art Pottery, Black Memorabilia, Bronze, Furniture, Computer-related, Lamp and, Lighting, Napkin Rings, Silver items, and Toys. There are more than 1,000 great black and white, and a 16-page full color section to help you identify reproductions. The book's 6 x 9" is a handy size to take with you while antiquing. The book can save you far more than its price by protecting you from purchasing only one reproduction. Add it to your library.