March 2004 Alerts on Confusing Collectibles

Look twice if you’re buying an animal figurine marked “SylvaC.” Originals were made by the English firm of Shaw & Copestake from about 1932 to 1982. They’re all marked with the word SylvaC and a mold number. Now Norman Williams, an Englishman, has purchased the SylvaC molds-and the trademarks. Williams’ company, DNW Ceramics, is producing new items, many made from old molds, and stamping them with SylvaC marks. The new items are marked in an amateurish way with uneven letters. (Maine Antique Digest, January)

Much of the British and Continental pewter for sale on American Internet sites is not described correctly, according to experts. Some items described as authentic were reproductions. Some genuine antiques were described incorrectly. And many of the items with original department-store paper labels were listed as older than they are. Study authentic old marks and the type of wares the marks were used on-being careful can save you money. (Pewter Bulletin, newsletter of the Pewter Collectors Club of America)

Reproductions of glass tobacco jars are being made in India. The repros include an orange-amber Globe Tobacco Company barrel-shaped jar, a yellow-amber Wm. S. Kimball & Company paneled jar, and a Wm. Tegge & Co. smooth glass jar. The new Globe jar has barrel staves that are more defined than those on originals; the new Kimball jar has a larger mouth than originals; and the new Tegge jar is mislabeled “W.H. Tegge.” The reproduction jars come into this country with a paper sticker that says “Made in India.” (Fruit Jar Rambles, December)

A Minnesota company has reproduced Shawnee‘s Sailor cookie jar. The new jars are slightly taller and weigh less than originals. In addition, the reproduction sailor’s hair is light brown rather than black, and his uniform is bright white rather than cream-colored. The new jars are sold by Midwest of Cannon Falls. (Collectibles.about.com)