About Fake Signatures

from p. 229 Frederick Carder and Steuben Glass by Thomas P. Dimitroff

“Identification of objects thought to be Carder Steuben is at times made even more difficult because of fake signatures …. Unfortunately when ever there is money to be made, disreputable individuals will resort to fraudulent methods in selling objects. Faking signatures is one of the most lucrative of such fraudulent ventures, as most people are, to some degree, bargain hunters. As underpriced glass vase signed Steuben is often too much of a temptation to turn down. This is especially true ‘in the heat of the moment’ at an auction. In such situations, the buyer will often ignore or not have time to apply all the other elements necessary toot out outweigh the other characteristics. for an accurate identification of the piece. Additionally, buyers with limited knowledge about Carder Steuben colors, shapes, and types of glass rely too heavily upon signature as proof of authenticity. It must be remembered that a signature is not what makes a piece of glass Carder Steuben. An object is Carder Steuben because it was produced at Steuben under the direction of Frederick Carder and, as a result, has identifiable characteristics involving shape, color, type of glass, and other design elements. From this perspective, signature, although one element in identifying Carder Steuben objects, should not be accepted as the key factor in an authentication by itself , and must not outweigh the other characteristics.”