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tline3open  Michael Shaver forgeries

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Author Topic:   Michael Shaver forgeries
FWG

Posts: 845
Registered: Aug 2005

iconnumber posted 09-04-2005 06:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for FWG     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I seem to be in forgery mood today; just started another thread on Hester Bateman in the British/Irish forum....

About 10 years ago there were large quantities of faked Michael Shaver (Abingdon, VA) pieces circulating in the Virginia/North Carolina/Kentucky area. One friend even reported seeing a table full at a show, with many bearing Shaver's known mark -- a wonderfully crude hand-cut punch -- but ranging from early 19C pieces to spun and machine-turned late 19C or even 20C pieces made long after Shaver's death. I heard, from a Kentucky dealer as I recall, that someone had found Shaver's tools around that time. Presumably either that person or someone else then used the punch to mark a bunch of silver to pass off.

So I would suggest being wary of Shaver pieces. The one piece I have is a teaspoon, badly used as a teether but even considering that somewhat crude -- I'll try to dig it out this week and post photos. I consider it legitimate since I got it a few years before that lot surfaced, from a dealer near Abingdon, and it fits with what one would expect Shaver's work to look like.

Does anyone have any further details on this story? I moved out of that region around that time and was never able to track it down. Would love to hear -- especially if someone got caught!

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wev
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Posts: 4121
Registered: Apr 99

iconnumber posted 09-04-2005 07:03 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for wev     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Welcome to the full forum.

I had not heard of this instance, but we have had a few posts about false punches in the past that may be of interest.

Do you have Lillian Butt's book on Shaver?

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FWG

Posts: 845
Registered: Aug 2005

iconnumber posted 09-05-2005 09:19 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for FWG     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks, wev! No, I didn't know of a book on Shaver. Is it available?

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wev
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Registered: Apr 99

iconnumber posted 09-05-2005 09:34 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for wev     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I believe it is still available from the Historical Society of Washington County, Virginia (PO Box 484, Abingdon, VA 24212-0484) for $5 and postage.

Michael Shaver, Silversmith by Lillian S. Butt

I have not read it, so if you get a copy, you can give us a book report.

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FWG

Posts: 845
Registered: Aug 2005

iconnumber posted 09-07-2005 09:33 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for FWG     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks again -- when I have a minute I'll order a copy, and will report....

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Marc

Posts: 414
Registered: Jun 2002

iconnumber posted 09-20-2005 05:03 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Marc     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hi guys,

In the late 80's I ran across a fake North Carolina piece.. VOGLER of Salam, NC and still have it.

Also, I remember seeing quantities of spoons ranging from the 19th and 20th centuries (sterling and coin both) that were marked with southern makers names. The good thing is that the punches used were pretty crappy, so they were easy to spot.

Best thing to do when you are purchasing any pricy piece of coin silver is to compare the mark and the style of the piece to one that is known. Most of the photo reference books will show a piece as well as the mark.

I will see if I can rustle up the fake Vogler piece and post the photos.

Marc

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FWG

Posts: 845
Registered: Aug 2005

iconnumber posted 09-25-2005 03:05 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for FWG     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
As promised, if slightly delayed, here's my Shaver spoon for reference:

Length is just over 5.6 inches, and it's fairly light.

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ahwt

Posts: 2334
Registered: Mar 2003

iconnumber posted 07-11-2022 10:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ahwt     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Here is a portion the write up on Michael Shaver from Katherine Holland's book on Virginia silversmiths. She also warns of the existence on fakes of Mr. Shaver's silver. Included are some excellent examples of his known marks.

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