Fakes, reproductions, replicas, an investigative report, by Harry Ridgeway

Fakes, reproductions, replicas,

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FP0607     Militia silvered militia panel plate, Eagle with 13 stars, Plate 403

This patriotic design, referred to as a panel plate is very similar to O'Donnell & Campbell, Plate 403 which was popular with the many state militias before the Civil War.    Normally made of brass and gilded or silvered, this plate is die stamped from the original die onto a thin tinned plate.  Because it was made from original dies, and the hooks are soldered on, I was initially fooled by this one.  However it was discovered that the plate is made of thin iron and not brass, probably in the 1880's as a souvenir piece.  This piece is not "silvered", it is silver painted to look silvered and is poor quality.  It should be noted that the plate was intended as a souvenir in the late 19th century or early 20th century. 

This plate was purchased from Mike Snyder of Florida.  It was purchased in April 2001, the fake was discovered in December 2001 and I attempted to return it the next time I saw him which was January 2002.  By then he claimed that he did not remember selling the piece so refused to refund it.  This is another issue lurking out there.  This was a cash sale at a show,  so without the sellers memory working the guarantee was worthless.  This fellow claimed to guarantee his relics but if he does not agree that he sold it, what can you do?  It is a good idea to get the guarantee in writing.  In defense of this seller, he probably didn't know it was a fake when he sold it to me, and maybe he really did not  remember it.  However, my memory is just fine on this piece, but I am the one stuck with it!  Meanwhile this gentleman has died so it is a dead end at this point!