Guides · Common Fakes & Counterfeits · Collectibles and antiques guide
Common fakes: collectibles and antiques
Reproductions copy the look, not the quality. Here's what gives them away.
General tips, not authentication. This is an estimate, not an appraisal. When in doubt, use a professional authentication service.
Most common fakes
- Hummel figurines marked "Made in China" or "Original Hummel Reproduction" are not genuine. Source: mihummel.org
- Reproduction cast iron banks and toys. Sources: mechanicalbanks.org · realorrepro.com
- Reproduction porcelain signs. Sources: antiqueadvertisingexpert.com · californiavintagebuyers.com
- Fake Tiffany lamps. Sources: treasuresontrial.winterthur.org · pbs.org
How to spot them
- Genuine Hummels have an incised M.I. (Maria Innocentia) Hummel signature plus a Goebel mark from the right period. Source: mihummel.org
- Real Tiffany lamps use hand-cut, leaded, textured glass and good-quality bronze. Painted glass or sloppy solder means a fake. Sources: treasuresontrial.winterthur.org · pbs.org
- Repro cast iron tends to show a pebbly surface, loose seams, soft detail and bright paint, and is often smaller than the original. Sources: mechanicalbanks.org · realorrepro.com
- Repro porcelain signs often show bare metal inside the mounting holes, digital dot patterns in the printing, and rust that looks too uniform. Sources: antiqueadvertisingexpert.com · californiavintagebuyers.com
Tests you can do safely
Coming soon.
When to get it authenticated
Coming soon.
These guides are general screening tips, not authentication or appraisals. Sources are independent sites we don't control and aren't affiliated with. Sources checked Nov 2, 2026.
Let us do the homework
Bidding on a whole sale?
We identify every item, flag the standouts in the photos, and set a max bid on every lot.