Fake oil lamps

As we acquire stock we sometimes encounter fake and reproduction items. Here we illustrate some examples for collectors and buyers reference. Some of these pieces were offered to us as original items - but all are types to avoid.

FAL1 A fake Roman pottery lamp depicting a winged figure of Victory riding in a biga

Described as dating to the 1st Century A.D. in an auction catalogue, this lamp was in fact made in the 19th or early 20th Century A.D., probably in Turkey or Italy. Superficially it looks ancient (complete with chips) but the abnormally deep discus raises suspicion as does the spout which seems too small for the size of the lamp, but the real giveaway is the 'soot' painted on the nozzle.

FAL2 Fake face lamp from North Africa

This is a well-known type made in North Africa in the 1950s-1960s. Similar examples have been offered to us as 'precolumbian lamps'.

FAL3 North African coarse ware lamp

This ugly lamp would fool few people. Its deep pedastal base is quite unlike the bases of original examples and the modelling very crude. Probably of North African origin, it bears little resemblance to ancient examples.

FAL1

FAL2

FAL3