All About Antiques

Authentic World War II emergency coinage can be identified by its unusual metallic composition, most notably the 1943 zinc-coated steel Lincoln cent, which strongly attracts a magnet. Genuine wartime silver nickels (1942-1945) feature a prominent mint mark (P, D, or S) located directly above the dome of Monticello on the reverse. Imagine you are at…

Authentic Tang Dynasty tomb figures (mingqi) date to 618–907 AD and are primarily identified by their low-fired earthenware bodies, distinct hollow interiors, and the presence of sancai (three-color) lead glazes or unglazed cold-painted pigments. Genuine pieces will exhibit natural encrustation, root marks, and signs of age-related degradation that modern forgeries struggle to replicate accurately. Imagine…

Authentic Japanese lacquerware (urushi) can be identified by its warmth to the touch, microscopic imperfections in the clear topcoat, and a slightly soft, resonant sound when lightly tapped. Genuine pieces feel remarkably light yet durable, unlike heavier modern plastics or cold, mass-produced synthetic resins used in cheap imitations. Imagine you are at a dusty estate…

Authentic antique hallmarks and maker’s marks are identified by their specific placement on an item (usually the base, back, or inside clasp), the precise stamping technique used, and the corresponding registered dates or country of origin codes. Genuine marks, unlike modern cast fakes, are deeply struck with crisp edges, often accompanied by purity stamps (like…

Authentic Chinese jade can be identified by its high specific gravity, allowing it to easily scratch glass, and its cold temperature to the touch compared to glass or plastic fakes. Genuine nephrite and jadeite possess a fibrous or granular internal structure visible under 10x magnification, whereas simulants often show internal bubbles. Imagine you are at…

Unsigned antique paintings, particularly those on tin (such as retablos or early American folk art), can be identified by analyzing the tin’s thickness, oxidation patterns, and pigment composition. Authentic 19th-century tin paintings display natural, uneven rust on the edges and utilize hand-ground mineral pigments, completely lacking the uniform, machine-rolled metal and synthetic paints found in…

Authentic antique transferware is identified by a thin, tissue-like printed pattern applied under the glaze, commonly in blue, pink, or brown. Look for the maker’s printed mark on the base, often featuring the pattern name in a cartouche, and characteristic stilt marks from the kiln. Genuine 19th-century English pieces show slight pattern misalignments and pooling…