Don't Be Fooled by Collectible Reproduction Tricks

Antique reproductions or valuable china and glassware reproductions have been going on a long time. For instance there was a time when people wanted china that looked like pieces nobility used or royalty.
If you are serious about collecting a specific company or design then get to know their markings or signature design styles. Sometimes the tip off is simply the glaze color. I have my Grandparents Shawnee Corn King Teapot, sugar and salt pepper. I have seen several reproductions of this pattern. Personally the glaze is the first error. It is not the right color. It is usually way off or the green too bright. Sometimes you know it is wrong because your research tells you only certain colors or patterns were produced by a company. A company's makers mark along with other subtle details can be the key to the truth. Maybe they spelled the name wrong or maybe the mark is suppose to be raised. Perhaps the fake mark does not match the style.....Why do I say this? Sometimes fake imports would come over to the America and then marked with a fake or maybe stolen makers mark.
GLASS~ Another tip off could be mold marks. True antique glass was blown and will have a break off mark or the accurate term pontil mark. See this article showing awesome pictures. https://sha.org/bottle/mouthblowndating.htm
I do not live far from an area once teeming with great glass blowers and stained glass makers, Connellsville, PA. Obviously glass is still blown so you have to study. Glass molds with seams were used on a mass scale after 1915. When I refer to true antique I mean the accepted dating around 1850 and before as considered antique. This does not mean an item produced later is less valuable but, antique dealers may label it as collectible, vintage, folk art, old or historical importance to America or industry.
Another area of concern in recent years are wood wares. The term primitive has turned the antique market upside down. My first advice is if it looks really good then be very careful. I mentioned in a previous article about the romance with wooden tools and implements and referred to as folk art or primitives. These should be collectible due to their use and because handmade to meet the needs of the farm or home. If these pieces have been stripped, sanded and or stained then they hold no value to a true collector and disturb their age. The biggest problems are wood bowls, spatulas, bobbins, boxes, paper mache pumpkins, make do dolls and more being made by wholesale country decor companies. Some of these seasonal items set in an antique shop could fool many people. The materials being used and color should be a red flag. Ex. Was the type of wood widely used or available in the area?

You must do your homework when it comes to brands still in production. Usually the brand's markings indicate production time frames. Unfortunately, sometimes molds were sold and not destroyed by bankrupted companies and this is another issue with certain glass and ceramic makers. Make yourself aware to the company's known reproduction issues. Also be aware of general terms with high prices. People casually use the word milk glass, carnival glass, ruby red and more. Some of these general glasswares are still produced. In fact I recall when Martha Stewart's Kmart line had hobnail and milk glass pieces. You better know what you are paying for!

Research. Look for old markings books. Find old news articles as they are helpful too. When libraries have sales check for markings and collector books. Kovel's gives estimates based on recent auctions so they can be helpful too. Sometimes you can find collector clubs online. Good luck!