February 2004 Alerts on Confusing Collectibles

This month marks the beginning of a U.S. presidential election year, so there will be renewed interest in old campaign buttons and signs. Be aware there are many fake political items on the market. The quality of these reproductions or fantasies ranges widely. Some reproductions are marked with a manufacturing date long after the candidate pictured ran for office, but other fakes were deliberately designed to fool collectors. To learn more, visit the website of the American Political Items Collectors, www.apic.us.

There are reports that fake Overbeck figurines and vases are being sold online and at auctions and sales. Fakes may be made of dark clay, not the proper white clay. Bright red glaze is also a sign of a fake. (Antique Week, June 23)

Don’t be fooled by new tin “herb crushers” being passed off as antiques. A Michigan couple who have been dealers for nearly 40 years report that they’ve seen $24 reproductions being offered for $350 or more at several annual antiques shows. (Maine Antique Digest, December 2003)

Reproduction oil lamps in Aladdin’s Vertique and Quilt patterns should not be confused with 1930s originals. The filler collar and cap are taller on new lamps. And new lamps are in colors that don’t match originals. New lamps are cobalt blue, ruby, or clear, or they’re blue, green, or rose moonstone (moonstone is a translucent alabaster glass). Unfortunately, the new blue or green moonstone lamps could be confused with original jade green lamps; and new rose moonstone is similar-but much lighter-than originals. Do some research before you buy. (Mystic Light of the Aladdin Knights, November)