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Thread: Real or Fake?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
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    Country: United States

    Default Real or Fake?

    I never sell my art as "vintage". But this looks fake:http://www.ebay.com/itm/OLD-VINTAGE-...MAAOSwX~dWiB5y

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Eastern United States
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    Country: United States

    Default Not what it appears to be

    In my opinion, the lock offered in that listing is a recent casting. It appears to be of poor quality workmanship. The heavy file marks on all surfaces is a dead give away. The casting of the front face lacks fine detail and has several "blobs" that just would not be in older American locks. The lack of patina on the lock body, but on the key is also a red flag. Also note that there just isn't enough natural wear on the body.

    In my opinion, this lock was made to look much older than its true age.

    I hope this guides you in making an informed decision.

  3. #3
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    Mar 2015
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    Country: United States

    Default

    I very much agree. And, it would appear that the seller's of these "fakes" make it appear as if you can ask them any questions, which is a form of reverse-psychology.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Eastern United States
    Posts
    63
    Country: United States

    Default Not what it appears to be

    In my opinion, the lock offered in that listing is a recent casting. It appears to be of poor quality workmanship. The heavy file marks on all surfaces is a dead give away. The casting of the front face lacks fine detail and has several "blobs" that just would not be in older American locks. The lack of patina on the lock body, but on the key is also a red flag. Also note that there just isn't enough natural wear on the body.

    In my opinion, this lock was made to look much older than its true age.

    I hope this guides you in making an informed decision.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Arizona
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    Country: United States

    Default

    Looks like somebody paid over $60 for it, poor bastard

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2010
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    11
    Country: United States

    Default definitely fakes

    These started showing up in 2006, and there are several different markings: C and S Ry, C RR of NJ, NYS&W, B&O (fantasy marking), PRR, N&W NCRW.......... All locks look recently cast / machined. All have the same style keys - and the same bit. The locks have large oversized keyholes. And the best giveaway is the "tab" at the side of the dust cover. They were even listed in a train hobby catalog - $35 each + postage. Several were sold on Ebay by a dealer down in Tenn as having been found "at an estate sale" etc. He got some big money at first. More recently they turn up being sold by unknowing dealers, or sellers that DO know they are fakes, but conveniently leave out the words "Repro" or "recently made" etc....................

  7. #7
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    Mar 2015
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    Country: United States

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by njsrr View Post
    These started showing up in 2006, and there are several different markings: C and S Ry, C RR of NJ, NYS&W, B&O (fantasy marking), PRR, N&W NCRW.......... All locks look recently cast / machined. All have the same style keys - and the same bit. The locks have large oversized keyholes. And the best giveaway is the "tab" at the side of the dust cover. They were even listed in a train hobby catalog - $35 each + postage. Several were sold on Ebay by a dealer down in Tenn as having been found "at an estate sale" etc. He got some big money at first. More recently they turn up being sold by unknowing dealers, or sellers that DO know they are fakes, but conveniently leave out the words "Repro" or "recently made" etc....................
    That's great information, which is why I post here where experts like yourself know the history.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
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    Country: United States

    Default

    For future reference here are the images of the lock in question (since the eBay auction will disappear).

    Click image for larger version. 

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ID:	14998 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	s2.jpg 
Views:	21 
Size:	11.1 KB 
ID:	14999 Click image for larger version. 

Name:	s3.jpg 
Views:	16 
Size:	10.7 KB 
ID:	15000

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