Is it Genuine?

Completely fake antiques are few, but items that are not quite genuine abound. There are copies, adaptations, marriages and dubious restorations. This book explains in detail exactly how the experts judge authenticity so that the collector can avoid expensive mistakes. Dealers, saleroom experts and other authorities look at furniture, metalware, pottery and porcelain, glass, silver, clocks and toys, as well as more specialized areas such as netsuke, quilts and scientific instruments.

The approach is always practical, using illustrations to compare genuine items with others not quite right , and show buyers what to look for, what to beware of and how the faker's materials and techniques differ from those in the genuine article.