posted 04-01-2003 08:27 AM            

Over the years, I have heard of resellers sending silver antiques originals to China for duplication. I am also aware of US silversmiths who have been commissioned to make a duplicate(s) (like a compote). These items then enter our marketplace and are not identified as copies. So I was wondering if anyone wanted to discuss the THE HOBBY PROTECTION ACT (click here)? In its current form, The Act doesn't really have any bearing on the kind of "fakes" we have discussed. It covers imitation political items and imitation numismatic items.

The Act is about to expire on May 2, 2003. The FTC is inviting comment, so if you support The Hobby Protection Act, and are in favor of changing the current law to require marking all categories of reproductions, you need to express your opinion now.

During the last review four years ago, only 1,000 comments were received. Based on this, the Commissioners decided not to recommend expansion of The Act. Now is your chance to change that. The more letters they receive and the more examples of what unmarked reproductions are doing to the antiques and collectibles market, the better the chances of extending and changing the law. Send the FTC and your local congressional representative a letter and/or a petition. (click here for a petition example)

All petitions and correspondence regarding this review process must be received by the FTC in Washington, DC by May 2, 2003. Their mailing address is:

• Office of the Secretary
  Federal Trade Commission
  Room H-159
  600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC 20580