posted 09-04-2005 06:43 PM            

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.

posted 09-04-2005 07:03 PM            

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.

posted 09-05-2005 09:34 AM            

Michael Shaver, Silversmith by Lillian S. Butt

posted 09-20-2005 05:03 AM            

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.