Comments on: Imported Fake Antique Furniture

By: George

George — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 05:20:21 +0000

Thankyou for the site. I had the pleasure of having my instincts prove me correct spotting a “re-pro”for the first time.
An acquaintance raved of an antique “centuries old” desk in her attic and if I could sell it for her.
Once up in the attic in the usual dim and glare, not to mention stifling heat, the piece looked like photo #4 in your feature. A “score” until I got in under a light bulb and started to look at one of the drawers. The lacquer/stain was the distinct color of low end furniture.
The signs dominoed from there and I was going over the piece as soon as I got out of my truck! I didn’t quite know for sure but something was not quite sticking.
Then irregularities flew at me like bats at sunset. The mismatched screws,separations at the seams,tasteless wood,dripping glue etc.
Your column answered all my doubts.This was my first encounter with one of these. Now to soothe my friend!

By: sandrar

sandrar — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:48:56 +0000

Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog. :) Cheers! Sandra. R.

By: Chris Hughes

Chris Hughes — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 14:50:00 +0000

Thom,
Thanks for adding the pics. These are good examples of the furniture that was being sold at the event I just attended. I’ve seen that one-piece stacking bookcase a million times. Pretty ugly in my opinion. Now that original stacking bookcases are not fetching what they used to 10 years ago, I am sure I will seeing many more original and repro ones on the market.

I’m pretty sure I’ve seen the Korean-made furniture you speak of. It is well made, but the finish wasn’t right on the stuff I saw and it was being sold as refinished pieces. I thought the pieces still would have made nice, functional furniture for those of use who cannot afford real Chippendale, but I remember the pieces being too pricey for what they were!

By: ThomPattie

ThomPattie — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 14:35:48 +0000

Chris,

You are right! The pieces you are seeing are poor quality copies and most are made in Indonesia.

In the 1970′s some interject antique dealers started factories in Korea that primarily made copies of Chippendale and Queen Anne dining chairs and banquet tables. The quality and craftsman ship was excellent and the copies commanded very good money.

As time passed the cost of labor in Korea made the bottom line bulge to much and the factories or other entrepreneurs moved to Thailand and Indonesia. Yes much cheaper to make and the production was in high gear by the late 1980′s.

Now however quality is not of consequence and the copies look like a 5th grader made them. i have included some photos of items that are being made now.

This is important for people starting to purchase item for their homes to realize. Learn about things before you buy!!