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Posted by David Hoexter
on March 18, 2008, 12:46 pm, in reply to "Counterfeit?"
75.36.131.83
I would like to comment solely on the use of the term "counterfeit". This is less related directly to your inquiry, which has been well-answered by Connie, than to philosophy.
I personally believe that "counterfeits" rarely occur with transfer printed pottery and Staffordshire figures. First, many makers did produce/use the same patterns and source prints. But I don't know of any documented attempts to pass off one maker's work as done by another. If anyone knows of such an occurrence, I am sure we would welcome a comment or even an article in the Bulletin!
Second, there were certainly many reproductions, particularly of Staffordshire figures. I once saw a copy of an early 20th century advertisement of figures for sale (some which I recognized and have even owned) which actually stated that the figures were reproductions. Most later production/reproductions are easy to spot to the practiced eye. Some, most notably several Spode dinner ware patterns, are currently in production.
Third, however, I will say that recently a good many transferware pieces have been produced, apparently in China, with paper "Made in China" labels. The labels have been removed and the pieces are being offered as antiques, both on EBAY but also to my dismay at antique shows and shop. The production is so obviously recent that any dealer or individual selling these items as antique is either totally ignorant, incompetent, or purposely trying to deceive. Shame.
Since I am at this point pontificating, let me conclude and get off my high horse by saying that this only points to the need for the buyer to educate his/her self, and to join collector groups such as the TCC and learn more!
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