Post
by Zolotnik » Tue Mar 08, 2011 12:07 pm
Ivan -
I fully understand what you want to say and I can confirm most of it. But please have in mind, that people with abundant money do not buy personally, for instance antiques etc. They have "scouts" who supply them with what they want or need. If this "scouts" are honest and knowing - no problem. If not? Just two examples of wellknown cases: the book/collection of John Trainer, the Fabergé collector (quantity) worldwide. On several pages you see fakes or completely wrong objects. The Forbes collection: always thought as a mint collection until he died and the objects were sold. Two of the Imperial Easter Eggs were total fakes. They start around 2.5 Million USD! Money is no protection against fraud, the contrary is the case! Personally I had to estimate inheritated Russian silver, which was donated, from several American Museums. Big surprise: numerous fakes, all from "reputable" sources (if you want to know the names - PM me). You can be sure that every body was shocked and unbelieving, I was really flamed - until it was proofed. So much to money, first class names and provenance!
Please do not leave the Forum - we need experienced members with a lot of practical knowledge. Theoretical wisdom is not good enough to stem the flood of fakes.
Sincerelly yours
Zolotnik