Coated Fakes

[undertaker]

Just thought I would tell you people about some really good reproductions that I have purchased thinking they were original. One I purchased on ebay and two were from dealers in local antique shops. All were really nice points, to nice and coated with something to make them look like field finds. One point was coal black with reddish brown rust like deposits and that point turned out to be a white colored when washed. This material doesn't look like any type of rock. Maybe a ceramic but definitly not resin. Just purchased a yellow/mustard jasper point that was a perfect 10. I own a few of these that I have found that were quarried in Pennsylvania so I was pretty sure this one was the real deal. I put it under water and it turn to a bluish green flint that Ive seen come from Alabama. All had a tell tale sign... Really perfect points with reddish brown rust deposits through out point and lighter or darker on the high points. I have only purchased about eight points to add to my collection and Im about 50 50 for buying reals and repros. Im done buying.... My brother told me I only want what I find in the field.

 

[quito]

Well the fakers are really getting clever and better, so everyone needs to beware.

I have done a lot of buying, and priority one for me is,,,,,,,,,,,,,can I return it if it is not authentic? Then I examine, under high power. If I have doubts or can't tell, I send to pro, and hope he can nail it down.

 

[mydogiscool]

Under can we see pics? Quinto what do you mean under higher power?

 

[GatorBoy]

Unfortunately that synthetic patina is readily available and often used by hobbyists to make modern reproductions look old.
Its often used by museums as well.
Its just a powder mixed with water and rubbed on the piece.
That's why it pools in the low spots and is rubbed off on the high spots.

 

[quito]

Under can we see pics? Quinto what do you mean under higher power?

Stereo Microscope.

 

[GatorBoy]

Not that buying a fake isn't bad enough.. but it sounds like one of them was made from toilet tank Flint..LOL. sorry.

 

[calisdad]

Too hard to make an honest living these days.
If you want your money back tell the guy he has 1 chance to refund you or you're turning him in to the Postmaster General for mail fraud. He did mail them to you, no?

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Unfortunately that synthetic patina is readily available and often used by hobbyists to make modern reproductions look old.
Its often used by museums as well.
Its just a powder mixed with water and rubbed on the piece.
That's why it pools in the low spots and is rubbed off on the high spots.

Some of them will also bury them with batteries or put them in a bucket of rusty nails and let them soak for a long time.

 

[rock]

I saw where you can soak a piece of steel wool in vinager and then use that for a staining process. People will do anything to get money now days. Thats why I like to find mine in the dirt. I do buy some but not many and only local stone type from my area.

 

[Tnmountains]

Well faking things is as old as time. They would fake many old coins in ancient times and also silver cobs and reales. I have a fake lead quarter.Looks perfect/ People fake firearms and civil war relics.

I am not good enough to know the difference. Even the knowledgeable guys will get skunked every now and then. Money to be made in anything of value. Be safe and do not loose that hard earned money/ Lots of knowledgable people here can help you. Ask them in a private message.

 

[tomclark]

Maybe we should put this under "What have I knapped Today" thread....

Hold on while I call Mario...

 

[Edmundruffin]

Another trick a local fakster uses is a childs mineral growing kit, crystals will grow on a fake point and make some impressing fake patina. One way to avoid getting ripped off is don,t buy - find your own.

 

[NC field hunter]

If the artifakers didn't know.....well....they do now. It is knowledge legit collectors need to be aware of. I was kidding you guys in my first sentence.