Fabulous fakes? What!? Maybe good quality reproduction is more accurate.

While we are always seeking authentic pieces of Art Deco, sometimes a fabulous fake – or reproduction or reissue – will do. Just to be clear, we are talking about items made and marketed for what they are. And with no intent to defraud.

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LLOYD LINES, SCHNELLDAMPFER EUROPA ASHTRAY

With restrictions easing, I’ve been able to hit up our favorite local flea market, the Golden Nugget.  Anthony couldn’t join me on a recent trip. However, I was able to pick  up this deco ashtray for him for $10.00.

As a collector of Ocean Liner memorabilia he was quite excited to have one. Then I did some research only to find – wah-wah – it is a reproduction made by the Kaihara Indigo company.

Original ashtrays are made of Bakelite. And clearly marked.

Depending on the condition, original ashtrays range in price from $35.00 (minor damage) to $175.00. And although an original one would be nice, we’re happy with our fabulous fake – for now!

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SARSAPARILLA DESIGNS, INC

Sarsaparilla Deco Designs was one of the best studios making fine reproductions. Founded by Les Sackin in 1976, its heyday was the late 1970’s through the mid 1990’s. In 1997, it was purchased by Appletree, Inc. As Sarsaparilla Deco Designs, they leased original molds and designs of vintage pieces of art deco.

Wisely, almost all items are clearly marked with the company name as shown above. And, they feature subtle design changes.

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DOUGLAS DC-3 AIRPLANE LAMP

One of the most recognizable pieces of the Sarsaparilla line is the Douglas DC-3 airplane lamp.

Let’s look at some of the changes.  The edges of wings on the original the airplane lamp are rounded over as opposed to the reproduction which are flat.

And, you can clearly see the original is highlighted with silver accents.

Also, if you dismantle the reissue, there is an in-mold date “© 1978”, as well as the Sarsaparilla in-mold mark.

Overall, their items are of high quality. And today, they command premium prices. But still well below the cost of an original.

Original lamps sell for between $800-$1400.00.

The reproductions are currently selling for $200-$500.00 though you may be able to snag one for around $90.00.

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FROSTED STEP LAMP SHADE

Although not common, we have seen several of these in the wild. In my research, it appears that Sarsaparilla offered this shade with a variety of figural adornments as well as without.

There are so many similar shades out there that I couldn’t find an exact match. However, Sarsaparilla resized their shades to fit standard modern fittings.

Reproductions valued between $50.00-$75.00

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FROSTED GLASS VASE

This one is frustrating. I’ve seen the original, or something darn close, in one of our reference books. Can I find it? No.

Stylistically, it has similar designs features seen in works by P.de Cagny, Etling and even Lalique.  If you have any information, please pass it along.

Original vases in this style sell at several hundred to several thousands of dollars depending on the manufacturer.

I estimate this should sell from $40.00-$60.00. I picked up this very large, very heavy Sarsaparilla vase at my local Goodwill for under $4.00.

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DANCING LADY VASE (aka The Ingrid Vase)

The concept of what would become the “Ingrid” line was the brainchild of Heinric Schlevogt. He originally envisioned using glass resembling marble, malachite and lapis lazuli as an art medium to produce a series of statues. He employed the best available designers to bring his vision to life. Professor Artur Plevar was tasked to design the line.

The Riedel company cast the Dancing Lady vase using a mold. The rough molded vase was then cut and polished by the Curt Schlevogt glassworks. And Schlevogt is credited with naming the line “Ingrid” after his young daughter.

Almost all pieces produced in the late 1920’s are marked “Made in Czechoslovakia” or “Czechoslovakia” on the bottom. And, the details of the design are finer due to the hand finishing at the Curt Schlevogt glassworks.

It features alternating panels of four female figures separated by matte and polished panels with sharp vertical ridges. Early pieces have distinct contrast between the highly polished and matte base, rims and edges. Later pieces lack the hand detailing.

The Ingrid line consists of over 100 items and is one of the most popular glass ware lines produced in Czechoslovakia. And remained in production until World War II.  Then sporadically post war.

In the 1950’s, the Communist state-controlled government nationalized all the glassworks creating an agency called GLASSEXPORT.  Essentially, they authorized the use of original 1920’s molds to reproduce fine glassware for the oversea market. This continued from 1954 through 1960.

Though technically not a fabulous fake, the 1950’s version are often mistaken for the original. However, these lack the hand finishing of the originals. But they are still highly collectable.

Newer pieces, as I own, are thinner, lighter and lack the fine details of the originals and 1950’s reproductions.

The original 1920’s Ingrid vases sell in online auctions between $900-$1500.00.

The 1950 reissue sell for between $200-$500.00.

I picked up my fabulous fake up at the Golden Nugget Flea Market for $40.00.

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SCHLEVOGT & HOFFMAN DECANTER SET

Curt Schlevogt, (of the Ingrid vase fame) established his own glass company in 1928.  He later joined with Heinrich Hoffman and became the premiere producer of Czechoslovakian art crystal. His business declined during World War II and ultimately closed its doors in 1945.

To be honest, I found this decanter set online by accident. Pure Art Deco, Bohemia glass was produced circa 1930.

So why am I writing about it?

Well, several years ago I purchased a very similar decanter set. Both are the exact same shape, size and have the same acid etched design.

Obviously, the color is different, as are the shape of the matching cups. Also, the etched areas of the one online appears to be stained or gilded.

The asking price for the original is $829.00.

I don’t remember the exact price I paid. But, knowing me, I wouldn’t have spent more than $60.00.

Is it an original, or a fabulous fake? What do you think?

We hope to be on the road, driving-for-deco, again soon. So until then…

Chris & Anthony (the Freakin’ ‘tiquen Guys)