Reproductions

[kahnjar1]

Hi Jim,
This thread started out with the subject of Repros but seems to have now also included Fakes. I believe that they are two different things.
IMHO a fake is a false copy meant to deceive, whereas a Repro is an (obviously) modern copy. A good example of Repros is the proliferation of samuri swords (for sale on a well known website) and often seen in groups of three on a rack. Personally I have never liked Repros and would not have an example in my collection.
Stu

[Lee]

Ed, I enjoyed reading your paper on fakes and find it potentially very useful reading for all stages of a collecting life.

I myself cannot always resolve authenticity even with an object in hand; indeed it is more accurate to say that increasingly I rarely can confirm or denounce with certainty and I have not made a significant antique arms acquisition in over a decade. When I will give an opinion, it is either that I am "enthusiastic about" or "afraid of" an item with the caveat that in order to reduce the risk of acquiring a fake, I have "calibrated" myself to walk away from maybe the best opportunities.

[werecow]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Hi Jim,
This thread started out with the subject of Repros but seems to have now also included Fakes. I believe that they are two different things.
IMHO a fake is a false copy meant to deceive, whereas a Repro is an (obviously) modern copy. A good example of Repros is the proliferation of samuri swords (for sale on a well known website) and often seen in groups of three on a rack. Personally I have never liked Repros and would not have an example in my collection.
Stu

The line is blurry though, and a lot of aged repros end up being used as fakes by unscrupulous dealers. For that reason alone it's good to be aware of repros even if you have no interest in owning them.

[Jim McDougall]

All very good points, and there is decidedly a difference between reproductions and fakes. Reproductions are made to represent examples of certain sword forms for collectors who wish to assemble examples of their favorite types but cannot afford or have access to authentic antiques.

They are not made to deceive typically, but I knew a guy who did make them and became so good at producing them authentically, they could easily be passed off as such. He responsibly would place his mark to avoid this, but unscrupulous dealers would eliminate it and cover over.

Fakes are varied, but of course have more nefarious purpose. Some sellers feign unawareness, but dealers handling many weapons certainly know better you would think. Its truly hard to determine what the case might be.

Knowledge is the most valuable weapon we can own.

[A. G. Maisey]

"Knowledge is the most valuable weapon we can own."

Knowledge is acquired through education.

Education costs.

[urbanspaceman]

Life is one continuous education; sometimes expensive - sometimes absolutely free; always necessary. Except when you already know everything, which is more common than is good for us.

[Jim McDougall]

Wisely noted guys!
Education thus knowledge is by no means not typically free. Even if not formally achieved the hard knocks and nicks have costs, whether financial or other.
I used to console myself after an unfortunate acquisition by thinking, 'its just tuition' and lesson learned.