Alerts on Confusing Collectibles March 2013

A warning about buying antiques bottles online: Experts at Bottles and Extras warned in the magazine’s January-February 2013 issue that a “scammer” was posting stolen photos of a rare Eagle & Cornucopia flask on eBay, pretending to be selling the genuine antique bottle. Best advice, the experts say, is to ask for a personal viewing or at least additional photos and documentation. If you’re not satisfied, stay away. This particular scammer had no feedback numbers and had tried the same scheme before.Ebay feedback numbers help identify trustworthy sellers.

Another buyer-beware warning about shopping online for glass: A so-called Fenton glass vase is frequently showing up on eBay and other Internet sites. The vase, 6 inches high by 4 1/4 inches in diameter, is usually described as a “vintage Fenton vase with ruffle edge, painted pink roses and leaves.” It’s not marked, but the sellers say they’ve done research and know it’s Fenton. But Fenton never made this shape and almost all Fenton is marked and artist-signed. The fakes have a thick clear base, and real Fenton doesn’t.