On June 13 a dozen participants and I arrived in Philadelphia for the first ever Art Crime Investigation Seminar, conducted by former FBI Special Agent, and real Indiana Jones, Robert Wittman. The week, consisting of five days of instruction and … Read More +
Tag Archives: Antique Scams
Fine Art Scams: If Steve Martin, Robert De Niro, and Steven Spielberg can be had, so can you
If Steve Martin, Robert De Niro, and Steven Spielberg can be had, so can you. The Hollywood legends have each been a victim of art scams – Martin, most recently, as part of a giant art scandal unfolding in Germany. The star … Read More +
This is the only coverage of William & Kate collectibles we will publish – promise!
Tacky imitation engagement ring?Check. Shoddily made porcelain teacup?Check. Magnets? Key Rings? Plate?Check, check and blech! The deluge of memorabilia surrounding the wedding of William and Kate is selling out faster than a case of Zippos at a pyromaniac convention. Articles … Read More +
Would you pay double for John Lennon’s vintage Ferrari GT coupe?
Baby, you can drive John Lennon’s car — so long as you bring enough cash along for the ride. Lennon’s Azzuro 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 coupe — the first car the Beatle bought after passing his driving test in … Read More +
A slow economic recovery hurts archive preservation, too
The last year saw many historical auctions perform better than most auctioneers and industry spotters could have ever predicted. This growing trend doesn’t get a lot of critical attention in the mainstream media, well, except for the six-figure price tags. … Read More +
Which celebs’ sigs are faked? Top 10 list of most dangerous vintage celebrity autographs
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Buyers beware: many alleged Babe Ruth autographs are bogus, many purported Elvis Presley signatures should be marked “return to sender.” Over half of the signatures of some famous sports, historical and entertainment figures submitted in 2010 … Read More +
Let’s share our Secrets to Affordable Antiques with the next generation
During the last three months, there has been a resurgence of discussion surrounding the creation of an antiques trade association. Although this is not a new idea to our hobby, it appears this time the talk is more earnest. Groups … Read More +
Caroline Ashleigh Blog: Fake vs. Real—Does It Matter?
Cabinet by an unknown maker, French 1580 with minor additions from the late 1850s. Carved walnut and oak with painted panels, linen and silk lining. 10 ft. 1 1/8 in. high. J. Paul Getty Museum What is fake? What is … Read More +
$48 million forgery claim rocking contemporary art world
Fine and contemporary art collectors are just now discovering that a years-long scam passed forgeries of important 20th-century paintings through major antiques auction houses such as Christie’s in London. The Observer broke the news yesterday and claims the forgeries are … Read More +
Art Loss Register recovers Dieppe carved ivory box
Relying on its one-of-a-kind, international database of over 300,000 lost and stolen items, the Art Loss Register has recovered an ivory box stolen from a private residence in , while the theft victim sat rooms away. The theft of the … Read More +