Page 101 - Chinese SIlver By Adrien Von Ferscht

It may all seem like one big minefield, but generally genuine Chinese Export Silver as most
people know it has not been attempted to be faked. This is probably due to the fact that as
a silver category, it is a complicated one and because of this the fakers have chosen to by-
pass it. In saying that, I do remain particularly exercised by the amount of silver-gilt filigree
items that are masquerading en masse online and in auction houses. If you are not sure,
then either ask for proof of provenance. ask an real expert or simply question the ‘silver’ or
‘China’ marks.

MIS-IDENTITY

Mis-identification of items in both e-commerce sites and auction houses is sadly rife.
Online, one can easily get the impression that much of the mis-identification is either on
purpose or wishful thinking. The bottom line is items that look vaguely Chinese and silver
cannot and should not be assigned to the category Chinese Export Silver unless the silver
marks adequately quantify that.

This baluster shaped vase was listed on a well-
known e-commerce site as an “Antique
Chinese Export Silver Dragon & Phoenix Vase”.
It was advertised for sale at a fixed price of
$4,250.

It is certainly not Chinese Export Silver.
Whether it is antique is a matter for debate. No
image of a silver mark was shown. But the
most relevant issue, possibly, is it was listed by
a known London dealer!