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Originally Posted by Klas Larsson
It was interesting to hear that there are 100 years old bronze replicas! Collecting has a very long tradition in China, I have heard, so that makes sense. I realize it's impossible to say something definite on just pictures but I was interested in all opinions, and qualified guesses.
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Klas,
The Chinese have been making fakes MUCH longer than 100 years. It is a tradition and often considered just "good business to have extravagant age and provenance claims."
It is only logical to realize that most weapons, axes, whatever that were real and authentic were of low quality, made for use by average people. The Ge I posted was not made for a Chinese General, nobility or high ranking official! The price was surprisingly low for an authentic Han piece. Email me for amount if you like.
It seems naive to me that many people buy "Chinese General" weapons, particularly on eBay.
You may get lucky in an antique shop or flea market, but the more you do your homework, the luckier you can be.
I define "luck" as "preparation meeting opportunity."
If you like this area of old Chinese bronzes, get Allen's book. He also has a lot of authentic Chinese pieces for sale. Not a lot of weapons, but good and authentic.
Get some of the coins and handle them. You will find that this will increase your ability to discern age. Most collectors I know best determine authenticity by feel. You will hear, "I like the pictures, but I would only give a real opinion if I could
hold it."