Customer Reviews

Antique Trader Guide to Fakes & Reproductions, 3rd Edition

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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.

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!!

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.

nice guide to help you spot the fake items. handy carry size to take with you to the flea market.

This is the best book on the subject for the yardsaler and auction buff who wants to know what to look for in a fake vs authentic antique.
The quality of this book is outstanding.

If you are a serious collector or a dealer this is a must have book! Covers all of the major catagories.

This book was given as a gift but it was received enthusiastically. After the party they picked it up and started to read it carefully so have to assume it was very interesting. This may not be useful to a future buyer, but I did check a few items before I gave the book and it was right on.