Is it Really Lalique ?
Many fakes of Lalique exist.
Not all of these are modern though.
Rene lalique Glassware was immensely popular and widely
copied by French and late by American and English Glassmakers.
copied by French and late by American and English Glassmakers.
Even respectable Glass Makers such as Etling, Genet ad Michon made glassware in what they termed the Lalique Style. These of course were good quality glass and are collectible in their own right.
Some of the early reproducers used quality crystal glass but others
used cheaper pressed glass.(Especially the American Copies)
used cheaper pressed glass.(Especially the American Copies)
Real Lalique always bears a signature
Until 1945 this was R.Lalique and after that it was just Lalique.
Until 1945 this was R.Lalique and after that it was just Lalique.
This does not however guarantee authenticity as even today fakes
are being made of Lalique works in Eastern Europe and these even bear
the Lalique marks.Concentrate on the qulality of the piece itself rather than the signature.
are being made of Lalique works in Eastern Europe and these even bear
the Lalique marks.Concentrate on the qulality of the piece itself rather than the signature.
Research by looking in museums and dealers. By doing just that I bought a 15th century buddha bronze in a flea market in London.
The Price really is a guide to authentic pieces - and you must always
get a certificate of authenticity when you purchase expensive Lalique Works.
get a certificate of authenticity when you purchase expensive Lalique Works.
To identify a fake properly you will need a UK BlackLight. This will show you any repairs or restorations but more importantly it will make glass flouresce.
Pre 1945 Lalique flouresces YELLOW
Reproductions either do not flouresce at all or they flouresce a bluish white.
However all colourless American pressed glass flouresces yellow .
The difference between presed glass and cristal is easy to see visually.
Fakes abound in French fleamarkets and these usually come from Hungary.
They are good reproductions and the lamps are especially impressive.
St Ouen Marche aux Puces in Paris is full of reproductions and you should only buy there from a member of the French Antique Dealers Federation.
Another place you will certainly find fakes is the huge street market in Lille in Northern France in September. It is full of fake glass and 19th century reproductions of all kinds.
A good place to buy is Belgium where many original Lalique pieces are to be found. This is particulalry so in provincial markets and dealers.