Since my early days of dealing – which go back over 60 years – I have witnessed some incredibly talented fakers at work using what used to be called ‘breakers’. For example: large Victorian wardrobes shamefully re-born as genuine 18th century library bookcases; later to appear illustrated in high-end catalogues; much to the dismay of the experienced dealer.
When I refer to a fake, this does not include ‘out of period’ copies or Victorian ‘revival’ furniture which these days, in their own right, can fetch surprisingly high prices. Fake means that a deliberate attempt has been made to deceive. By alterations I refer to changes in construction made to enhance the value of the item, for example by reducing its size, or marrying two separate elements.
By far the best way to avoid disaster is to buy from well-established dealers with track records spanning a minimum of, say, 30 years in business. Unlike buying/ selling elsewhere, the reputable dealer will not resort to opaque paragraphs of escape clauses within small print, which, when de-cyphered, mean zero responsibility accompanying your purchase(s).
Within the space available here I cannot possibly condense 60 years of studying aspects of authenticity for you. In any case most of you would have fallen asleep in the first 10 minutes.
We have over 60 years of experience to ensure you can have complete confidence in the authenticity of whatever you purchase from us.
The best advice I can give is to form a lasting, friendly and trusting relationship with a well-established dealer.
Regards,
John Maas – Box House Antiques Ltd.
