Is it a Fake?

How can you tell a copy from the real thing? A Guide to Fake and Reproduction Staffordshire pottery This is a very relevant question when buying Staffordshire animals and figures because many copies and fakes have been made. Many reproductions are still being made today and although they are not sold by the manufacturers as the "real thing" they can, when in the hands of the unscrupulous or the ignorant dealer be passed off to the unwary, sometimes for a large amount of money! So, apart from the usual advice of buying from a reputable dealer who will guarantee their stock and give you an authentic receipt as your proof of purchase, remember the golden rule "let the buyer beware". Quite often when we come across a "find" and we think it is undervalued we stay with the hope without considering the full facts! In other words we want it to be a winner. Believe me there are very few winners out there and my first tip would be to watch out for those moments when you think you are on to a bargain buy. So, what are the other things you can look out for? I have summarized below some tips which I think will be of value, but please remember, there are exceptions to all the rules. The key is to take a balanced view of the purchase situation and the item involved. WHAT TO LOOK FOR Colours used. Staffordshire pottery has a fairly standard range of colours. Compare colours from authentic pieces and beware of "wishy washy"colours and, paradoxically, beware of very bright colours also. Look at the material the item is made from; numerous figures are reproduced in a porcelain body when in fact the original was made in pottery. If there is extensive crazing and staining it often denotes a fake piece. Some blue blotches (cobalt) in a thick lustrous glaze (lead) is usually a good sign. A chalky feel to the base, particularly to the rim is a bad sign. If the item is exceptionally heavy or light in weight be careful. Size. . it is worth noting that reproductions made from a mould from an original piece will be about 10% smaller than the original. This is due to shrinkage in the firing process. Most figures dating from 1840 to 1880 are made by pressing two moulds together, and this can be confirmed by the presence of a seam down the side of the item. Later items were made from a slip cast (which is made in one piece) and there will be no seam. Also the features such as the nose will not be well defined. If you see"Made in England", "Genuine Staffordshire", or "Ye Olde Staffordshire" watch out! A lot of reproductions are made in China,when looking at the item think "is there an oriental influence particularly in the faces? Some of the Spaniels I have seen with Chinese faces are quite beautiful, but are, sad to say copies of the original. Forget the myth that "if there is a hole in the back then it is real" If there is scratching on the base this can indicate that a makers mark has been removed which would imply that the item is modern. Please remember that these "tips" are given as a guide... there is no hard and fast rule. Handle and look at as much of the real item as you can, and then you will be in with a better chance of avoiding the reproduction and fakes minefield. If you are unsure, ask the dealer "is this a genuine figure" watch the body language and use your technical knowledge together with your understanding of human behaviour. . . . . . . . . good luck!

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