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Originally Posted by eques
I've been looking at some of the Indonesian and Filipino swords on ebay. Some of the prices look attractive but nobody bids on them, which lead me to think if it was a fake (tourist item) or not. What are the signs that a sword is fake (tourist item) based on the pictures alone? Would one consider a lack of patination (on brass) or thin blades as signs of fake swords?
Thanks!
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I was almost caught out by an ebay seller recently. He sells multiple moro kris, and the odd other item. All are very very good quality, but they are recently made pieces that have had the blades artificially aged. Regardless they are still lovely items, and he doesnt mention the word antique anywhere in his listing, but they can catch the unwary out quite easily.
The rules here rightly stop me from mentioning names or posting pics. As to your points on whether lack of bids should be a warning sign. Possibly....but also remember the market is in the toilet in seems for sellers at the moment and lots of nice items are failing to gather a bid despite being well priced.
Patination is one of the best indicators of age, but can be distorted in pictures and often difficult to judge without having the item in hand.
Other things to bear in mind are the usual tips, i.e - does he sell similar items often, that all look alike? Are his feedbacks private etc etc.
Theres no definative answer im afraid. Better and better quality fakes keep appearing. Methods improve, and buying from ebay will always be a gamble.
Im so far from an expert its funny, and theres many more here more qualified to help, but feel free to send me the links of the items in question and ill give an opinion away from the forum.