About Falsifications

It is a deplorable fact that counterfeited Christmas ornaments have been (and still are) put in circulation, mainly in these last years - in a systematical manner and in considerable quantity. I have set eyes on extremely clever counterfeits that could defraud an even long-time experienced collector. So unbelievable it may be, counterfeited Christmas ornaments found their way into auction houses and came under the hammer, partly with “good” results. Favourites are cotton and Sebnitz ornaments, because they can be produced with little effort, but in the last time you can run into false glass ornaments, too.

How can I identify counterfeited ornaments? How can I preserve myself from an acquisition I have to regret afterwards? You may never be secure, but a thorough examination of old, genuine ornaments and, should the occasion arise, the make of counterfeits should help you to not be deceived. In my eyes the study of the relevant literature is indispensable, particularly of those (rare) books which picture our subject with detailed, exact descriptions and professionally made illustrations. When buying ornaments avoid dubious sources. If you are refused the possibility, to give back ornaments proved to be not genuine and to be refunded, you should proceed with utmost caution. At acknowledged fairs the authenticity of all offered objects is guaranteed even by the organiser; the probability to be taken in by a falsification is rather small. If you are in doubt you should be given a guarantee with the complete address of the seller and with a compulsory and fairly exact dating of the purchased object.

A picture says more than a thousand words, so look at the following illustrations of three typical counterfeits.

• Faked glass ornament
• Faked Dresden ornament
• Faked cotton ornament