• The seller will not guarantee the authenticity of the item in writing.
• The item looks too new.
• The workmanship is poor or inconsistent.
• In furniture, all of the wood is the same. Look at the back, underside, in drawers (if any). Older pieces used scrap wood where not visible.
• Look for evidence of electric tools being used — saws, drills etc. Many fakes use old parts, wood etc. but are constructed with modern electric tools.
• Know the person you are buying from.
• If you are not sure, don't buy. Unless it looks good and you feel the price is fair for a decorative item — a non-antique.

• Roseville pottery
• Glass from Eastern Europe — especially Galle, red overlay, and blue overlay.
• Furniture from China — especially elm tables and cabinets.
• Early pottery from China
• Almost anything from China — they don't do glass.
• Sports collectables — especially those with autographs.

Write or call your Federal representatives and demand that they include all imported items under a permanent labeling law. Now most of the fakes that come into this country are marked with a small removable paper label.

Fakes reduce the value of original items and hurt legitimate American businesses. If people are confused by fakes they will not buy anything causing additional losses for American business.