May 2006 Alerts on Confusing Collectibles

Miniature oil-burning lamps with glass chimneys, manufactured in the United States from about 1875 to 1925, are popular with collectors. Genuine old lamps as well as reproduced lamps may have new replacement burners, and some new lamps have burners removed from antique lamps. Acorn and Nutmeg burners are the ones most commonly reproduced. Fakes are marked “P & A Acorn,” “Nutmeg Burner,” or “Abco Nutmeg.” No genuine Nutmeg burners made before 1930 are marked with the word “Nutmeg.” (Mark Chervenka, repronews.com)

When the L.G. Wright Glass Co. of New Martinsville, West Virginia, went out of business in 1999, its molds were offered at auction. The National Milk Glass Collectors Society bought 11 of the animal dish and cover molds, and the Fostoria Glass Club also bought some molds. Clubs always mark the glass they reproduce. Other molds were purchased by American glass manufacturers, such as Fenton and L.E. Smith, and by importers, including AA Importing and Castle Reproductions. Know what you’re buying.

Longtime collectors of Shawnee pottery won’t be confused by new cookie jars, banks, and salt and pepper shakers made by a new Shawnee Pottery Company, also in Zanesville, Ohio (visit shawneepotterycompany.com). New cookie jars are based on original Shawnee figurines, not original cookie jars. But beginners should take care, because some new pieces are marked “Shawnee” and “USA,” just like old ones.