Sub-category for Roman reproductions

[millenniums]

I have a large collection of small Roman artifacts purchased in the past ten years from Bulgarian (Balkan) sources. Mostly rings, pendants and small statuettes. I always believed they were authentic because the sellers always said they were. (many supplied COAs) After finding duplicates with exactly the same flaws indicating they were made from the same mold, I finally realized they were reproductions. Some sellers still sell them as authentic and some sell them as Roman style. I believe any item imported from the Balkans is a reproduction.

Let me explain how a reproduction is made. First you need an authentic original. You then make a rubber mold from it, and inject that mold with wax. That wax copy is imbedded in another plaster mold, heated to a high temperature and injected with metal. The Roman perfected the lost wax process. A Jeweler could do it, but certainly wouldn't for $5.99-$18.99.

Many Roman artifact collectors don't mind a reproduction when the only original may be found in a museum.
I've done my best by describing reproductions as "Roman Style" and mentioning they are "from the Balkans so probably not ancient."

I'm new here and I don't want to step on any toes. Please add a subcategory under the Roman category for Reproductions.

[somersethedge]

there already is a section.... Antiques----> Reproduction Antiques

[millenniums]

Hi Somersethedge: I wish you were correct, but there isn't, unless you count ten pages of decorated tile and more beads. I don't want to crowd the Tile Guy. He has that category all to himself. It's easy to reproduce printed flat surfaces by the thousands on tile or paper. Lost wax castings are made one-at-a-time and have a place in the Roman category for collectors who want a representative example. Thanks for writing.

[somersethedge]

the problem is you state yourself that they are reproduction... admitedly reproduction antiquities as oppose to reproduction antiques... but (and I could be wrong) I think that maybe the best you will get for a while, especially as (due to your honesty) you would be the only one listing there as the less scrupulous(sp) would try and pass them off as the genuine thing (much like the people who sold them to you)

Sorry but I have a feeling your request might fall an deaf ears in this case

As for your comments on lost wax casting... I know... I use to produce my own molds for metal figures :-)

[terry5732]

All of his tiles are 'run til sold'

If yours have an end time, they will be at the top of the list

[somersethedge]

thats a good point terry... I hadn't looked

[millenniums]

Thanks Terry: I figured they'd never see me on page 11. Thank you. I'll be busy for awhile....

[millenniums]

I've finished moving into the Modern Reproductions category. Now the Roman Category is at least 90% ancient, and Modern Reproductions is an interesting category. Many thanks to everyone who took the time to write.

[gazza]

Can i close this?