Antique Trader Guide to Fakes and Reproductions, 4th Edition by Mark Chervenka

As fake antiques become increasingly prevalent and sophisticated, it is important to know how to separate the authentic pieces from the reproductions. This guide provides side-by-side pictorial comparisons as well as sound advice on how to identify fakes. The publisher of Antique & Collectors Reproduction News here covers the most commonly reproduced items, devoting entire chapters to such topics as pottery, dishes, toys, African American memorabilia, and silver. Wondering if you have a real Roseville vase? The author describes how to check the mark on the bottom and notes that if the inside of the vase is not completely glazed, it's not the real thing. You can also use a black light to see if an image is a digitized fake (new paper fluoresces). The array of examples is impressive, but the author reminds readers that it is impossible to document every possible fake. Other guides to fakes have been published, such as The Complete Guide to Fakes and Forgeries (1988), but these guides are old and the techniques of forgers have become more sophisticated. This new volume is highly recommended for public libraries with a patron interest in antiques and collectibles. Jennifer Mayer, Univ. of Wyoming Libs., Laramie
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Reader Reviews
I purchased this book when I became interested in antiques and found myself scrolling the pages of Ebay for treasures. The book is invaluable in pointing out many of the creative ways con artists have ingeniously come up with to defraud the unwary buyer. The biggest flaw of the book is that it is a survey book and hits only a few examples of fakes within a number of widely diverse catagories. I happen to be interested in porcelain and the information the book provided on the few specific areas of porcelain (like RS Prussia and Delft) were first-rate. Unfortunately vast areas of porcelain like figurines in general or companies like Meissen were never even mentioned. This is understandable as the book also covers broadly furniture, bronze, scrimshaw and cast iron lawn and garden items. I would love an expanded series with books specializing in each of the areas listed. As an overview this points out areas of fraud to be on the lookout for. As a specific, unless you happen to be evaluating the exact same item, it is unlikely to be helpful in any one particular fraud question.

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