Romanov china/crystal etc. on Ebay

[katya]

So happy to find this wonderful forum-

I have a question that I have been wondering about for some time.  Occasionally, I will see china, crystal, etc. on Ebay that is purported to be from the Imperial family's palaces.  They show marks, etc., and the items look authentic.  I am assuming that they are.  But my question is-how do people, dealers, etc. get these items?  Are Romanov-related antiques sold openly on the market in Russia?  Are they abundant?  

I am enjoying reading the posts on this fourm.

[Forum Admin]

Katya,
Some of those pieces are indeed authentic. As has been discussed elsewhere many of the Porcelain services were made to serve hundreds of people, and so would have been made in many thousands of pieces. Much of it was considered relatively uninteresting and of no great value during the 1930s. Armand Hammer shipped crates full of it back to the US and took it to department stores across the US, where anyone could walk in a buy it. Some of it is being reproduced in China, so beware of imitations out there. Try to buy from a reputable dealer who guarantees authenticity.
Im sure Nick will chime in with more on the subject!

[Nick_Nicholson]

Katya,

Watch youself.  I have seen tons of pieces coming out of Russia which are forgeries, and there are many being made in other countries as well (the Czech Republic makes glass, China and Germany do plates, etc.)

If you do buy on ebay, make certain that the seller will allow you to return the piece for ANY reason, for a full refund.  

Remember also, the services made by the Imperial Factory were huge, and were frequently enlarged.  For example, the "Coronation" service (also known as the "Kremlin" service) made for Nicholas I was enlarged under ALexander II, ALexander III and Nicholas II.  Pieces from the first production are far more valuable than those from the later periods.  

It is important when collectiog porcelain to buy pieces which are perfect.  No chips, scratches to the glaze, "firing marks", or glaze cracks should be accepted.  Make certain you ask for a condition report.

Good luck!

Nick

[Belochka]

I would be very cautious to purchase "authentic" Imperial products in such a medium. Photographs look nice but can deceive. The seller may not necessarily appreciate the authenticity or lack of pedigree of the goods they are selling.

Reproductions are manufactured in many countries today including Russia today. One only has to visit Moscow to find that such "treasures" are readily available. For the novice collector or those who have not researched extensively, such items can appear to be authentic.

Seller feedbacks may be helpful for you to decide about the reputation of the seller.

You might get lucky so good luck!

[londo954]

I would also add be careful about acquiring things said to be fromt he Imperial Apartments. Some may date from the time but might not necessarily come from the Imperial Palaces. Hamner himself added to those pieces he brought over notations such as "reported to be from the Imperial Apartments". A shrewd business move since items were more likely to have sold if the cusotmer thoguht they came from Nicholas and ALexandra. Some may be authentic and omse may not. I know peieces fromt he Palaces were inventoried and numbered regularly.