Tiffany lamps, which are considered to be the most beautiful, rare and associated with the Art Nouveau movement. These lamps are designed with patterns and materials which are used to produce one by using precious metal like gold and other alloyed metal, which makes them look alluring and unique. The materials used in making of lamps make them expensive and are sold for millions of dollars.
Apart from these, nowadays, everything is being faked by making their replica. Just like Tiffany lamps, which also have their fake versions in the market and are being sold at higher prices.
To consider this important point, I went to the antique store near me and asked an appraiser about how to identify a fake and the originality of the lamp. Below are thing to consider when buying the one…
* THE LAMP SHADE
The first is to look at the shape of the lamp shade, which originally if of cone or globe shape. If you see any other shape other than a cone or globe, step back. It’s a fake one.
Fake reproductions are rigid, but the original Tiffany lamps have a looser and more livelier shape. If talking about its shade designs and patterns, these lamps have natural patterns, which means butterflies, birds, dragonflies, feathers, etc. on surface of the shade.
As per Sarasota antique buyers, the next thing you should try is to gently knock the glass shade. If it doesn’t make a rattling sound, then it’s a red flag.
Glass which contains shades of vibrant and intense colors & called confetti glass and leads to the original one made by Tiffany.co. If you see the gold glass contains a translucent amber sheet on it rather than a pale green color, it is a positive sign.
The other step you can implement is taking a cotton cloth, pouring some nail polish remover on it, and gently rubbing it on the glass. If the paint is removed, it’s not the genuine one because Tiffany always uses other processes to give a colorful appearance to the lamp shade.
* BRASS BASE
To examine the base of the lamp, pick it up and turn it upside down to check for the base cap and lift it to see a gray metal ring with a hollow bronze base. If you find the same, consider it original. If you find zinc, brass, white metal or wood bases, they are reproductions.
The next thing is patina, if you see patina with small color consistency that is quite rubbed due to being too old, then you can buy it (antique objects can get quite demolish due to longer time span). But, sometimes fake craftsmen mimic the same patina and can fool people.
Also, examine the knob of the lamp, Tiffany always designs a turn-paddle or chain-pulling knob.
We also can’t figure it out by its stamp or marking because nowadays fake ones can create similar looking stamps and markings on the base of a lamp.
Tips given by a Sarasota antique buyers: Always consider it!
When I called an antique buyer who can come to your home, I got my Tiffany lamp appraised, through which I got to know its originality, which was similar to the above-mentioned tips. To ease your burden and also for 100% proof, you should consult an antique store near you and get your Tiffany products appraised before selling other antiques too. They can tell you everything there is to know about your product.
Antiques shops in Sarasota & also all across the world have shops where it will be easier for you take your stuff and get it appraised to identify the originality of your Tiffany Lamps.
Sarasota Antique Buyers 