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Things to look for before buying antique porcelain Antique porcelain collectors the world over are perennially at a loss of what to do when it comes to effectively distinguish the “real stuff” from the fake ones. This can largely be attributed to the profusion of these commodities in the market. Especially online where innumerable fraudulent dealers are always on the lookout to make a quick buck off many unsuspecting collectors. This however, doesn’t have to be so any more. By strictly adhering to the following tips, you too can add genuine antique porcelain into your collection, whether you’re a seasoned collector or a budding one.

Distinguishing between authentic hard paste antique porcelain and fake ones For those who might not be in the know, there are several excellent ways to accurately ascertain whether the hard paste porcelain you are trying to buy is really genuine. One of the most satisfactory analysis you can put such products through is checking out their translucency.

This simply means physically determining whether light can pass through its body. Before doing this examination you should ensure that there is sufficient lighting. Real antique porcelain allows light to effortlessly pass through it. You can also try to tap such a product, and if it emits a resonant sound you can know it’s the real deal. Further, hard paste porcelain products don’t show glaze crazing.

Should the specimen you are examining be in any way damaged, its chips should appear “shell-like” and the interior of its body closely resembling the shine of glass.

Distinguishing between authentic soft paste antique porcelain and fake ones Like hard paste porcelain, these types of antique porcelain also possess translucent characteristics, but unlike the former its interior (particularly if damaged) manifest granular appearance.

Additionally, in stark contrast to hard paste porcelain, this variety is less resilient due to the manufacturing process it is passed through. It glaze can therefore be susceptible to accrue scratches relatively easily.

Unmarked antique porcelain One of the major challenges when it comes to verify the authenticity of these products is that a large portion of their manufacturers (particularly in the 18th and 19th century) never made any distinguishing marks to catalogue them. Most of them opted to utilize pattern numbers to help them identify their wares.

It is thus extremely prudent to be very conversant with the diverse styles of the main porcelain factories of that period to ensure you aren’t hoodwinked. For instance, during this time the manufacturing trends were forever changing, and by examining certain features of antique porcelain you can effectively determine their authenticity. One of such attributes is the style of handles utilized, especially in cup handles.

Buying antique porcelain online Buying these commodities through the internet can be very trying as there is no option of physically examine them. However, you can still make vital queries to the dealer such as the provenance of the antique porcelain you wish to buy. You should also find time to go through the latest fake attributes, mark pages and even reference manuals. Doing so can aid you in gaining the necessary knowledge to distinguish between fakes and original wares.