Reproductions

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by werecow

I like the idea of a suspected fakes forum. There's a lot to be learned from comparing forgeries to the real thing. We could call it "The oops box".

I think we all agree that we should have an awareness of the many fake items circulating and how to recognize them as compared to authentic antiques.
Perhaps the best way to represent these in discussion is to describe them as 'modern interpretations' so as to avoid inflammatory connotation (despite obviously our frustration toward them) .

It seems over the years, regions such as in Afghanistan's Khyber, the production of 'interpretations' of East India Co. components in producing tribal weapons evolved into a modern industry. These weapons are incredibly similar to the authentic examples, almost indistinguishable.

While most of us in the 'game' many years have learned through experience how to recognize 'interpretations' in handling them, however often when examples are assessed only through photos, as here, it is much harder and I admit to often being fooled by images presented.

The idea of a sub forum to compile these 'misteakes' is compelling, but a bit more complex than it would seem. Still the subject examples remaining in proper context I think serve the purpose.

Learning and awareness are the goals here, so I would say status quo remains, but care in wording and presentation of primary concern.