Georgian Saber

ariel · 12th May 2009, 02:37 AM

Yes, with the emergence of the "New Russians" (a predatory stratum of the nuveau riche post-USSR society) the demand for Russian antiques went through the roof. Everybody wants to have Faberge jewelry, carved malachite vases, original paintings and, unfortunately, old weapons. And money is not an object.
But.... every demand is followed by an immediate supply. Thus, there is a whole industry in Russia, Georgia and in the US busily manufacturing antiques of all kinds and selling them for king's ransom. Since there are very good local artists, the quality may be excellent, with nary a hint of forgery. Often, however, the mistakes the forgers make are astoundingly stupid.
It is very risky to buy any antique weapon from Georgia. I know of only one very honest seller.
A joke: A New Russian bought a horrifically expensive Ming Dynasty vase, but then he became depressed, because it was made in China...

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12th May 2009, 02:37 AM	#4
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Yes, with the emergence of the "New Russians" (a predatory stratum of the nuveau riche post-USSR society) the demand for Russian antiques went through the roof. Everybody wants to have Faberge jewelry, carved malachite vases, original paintings and, unfortunately, old weapons. And money is not an object. But.... every demand is followed by an immediate supply. Thus, there is a whole industry in Russia, Georgia and in the US busily manufacturing antiques of all kinds and selling them for king's ransom. Since there are very good local artists, the quality may be excellent, with nary a hint of forgery. Often, however, the mistakes the forgers make are astoundingly stupid. It is very risky to buy any antique weapon from Georgia. I know of only one very honest seller. A joke: A New Russian bought a horrifically expensive Ming Dynasty vase, but then he became depressed, because it was made in China...