cannonmn
03-23-2010, 01:15 AM
I've seen an increasing number and variety of fake/fantasy "naval ordnance artifacts" over the past few years. At a major antique arms show this past weekend, there were a few.
One "Navy copper powder measure" complete with markings was sold to a knowledgeable collector for over $1500. Although I didn't see the item personally, a professional with impeccable credentials saw it and mentioned it to me. He was certain it was a complete fake. Another fake which I did see was in the form of a ca. 1800 bar or double-ended shot for a cannon. This was unmarked as were originals, but it was of the wrong form, dimensions, construction, etc.
The largest number of fakes I've seen are in the form of "easily manufactured" items such as ring gauges for inspecting cannon shot, and various other small tools and implements. The fakers have "U.S.N." and "Navy anchor" stamps which they either stamp or burn into the wooden handles of these items. The fakers rent tables at antique gun shows and Civil War shows, and peddle their fakes to unsuspecting novice collectors.
The fakes can be recognized by comparing their construction techniques and materials to those of known originals. Electric welding and other modern techniques, which did not exist during and prior to the Civil War, are often used in construction. Proper signs of age are lacking on at least some parts of an item. Materials used are often thinner than found in originals, or of incorrect cross-sectional shape.
I have discussed this with some of the show managers. One in particular which I thought would be concerned did not act, citing legal concerns. They said the only way they would take action was if an item had been certified by a seller as authentic, was sold, and the buyer had an expert certify that the item was a fake, and then complained to the show management in writing, including all of the evidence requried.
John Morris
One "Navy copper powder measure" complete with markings was sold to a knowledgeable collector for over $1500. Although I didn't see the item personally, a professional with impeccable credentials saw it and mentioned it to me. He was certain it was a complete fake. Another fake which I did see was in the form of a ca. 1800 bar or double-ended shot for a cannon. This was unmarked as were originals, but it was of the wrong form, dimensions, construction, etc.
The largest number of fakes I've seen are in the form of "easily manufactured" items such as ring gauges for inspecting cannon shot, and various other small tools and implements. The fakers have "U.S.N." and "Navy anchor" stamps which they either stamp or burn into the wooden handles of these items. The fakers rent tables at antique gun shows and Civil War shows, and peddle their fakes to unsuspecting novice collectors.
The fakes can be recognized by comparing their construction techniques and materials to those of known originals. Electric welding and other modern techniques, which did not exist during and prior to the Civil War, are often used in construction. Proper signs of age are lacking on at least some parts of an item. Materials used are often thinner than found in originals, or of incorrect cross-sectional shape.
I have discussed this with some of the show managers. One in particular which I thought would be concerned did not act, citing legal concerns. They said the only way they would take action was if an item had been certified by a seller as authentic, was sold, and the buyer had an expert certify that the item was a fake, and then complained to the show management in writing, including all of the evidence requried.
John Morris