Fakes, fantasies, and reproductions of American art pottery are pictured on the website of the American Art Pottery Association, AmArtPot.org. The homepage links to a database containing pages of color photos and information on fake pottery, all deliberately designed to fool collectors. You’ll find everything from fake Cowan to fake Rookwood and Weller pieces.

Gaudy Welsh pottery, originally made in England from about 1820 to 1860, has been reproduced for more than 100 years. Old original pieces were not marked. English potteries that produced copies in the late 19th century generally marked their wares. Modern reproductions, often made in shapes never used by original makers, are transfer-printed rather than hand-painted and have fake marks. (Repronews.com)

The Dedham Historical Society Museum has issued another limited-edition reproduction copied from its collection. This time it’s the Swan plate. Earlier reproductions included Dedham’s popular Rabbit plate. The Swan design was an early one, but the new plate is based on the company’s 1910 version featuring a more graceful, narrow-necked swan. Only 300 new plates are available to the general public. They’re $99 each from the Dedham Historical Society, Box 215, Dedham, MA 02027-0215. Add $8 shipping and $5 state tax if you live in Massachusetts.

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