How to Identify the Tiffany Chandeliers
Tiffany chandeliers are made from Tiffany glass, and they were typically made by artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, the first design director at Tiffany & Co, which was established by his father. Tiffany was an expert designer in stained glass and glass mosaics. The authentic Tiffany chandeliers date from around 1900 to 1932. The problem with identifying authentic Tiffany chandeliers is that many people have created fakes. You need to become familiar with fake Tiffany chandeliers to be able to identify authentic Tiffany chandeliers.
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Instructions
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Determine what a fake Tiffany chandelier looks like. For instance, models created by the company Riviere Studios and the company Unique and Bigelow are fakes that mimic the way authentic Tiffany chandeliers look. Google the names of the companies that create fakes and become familiar with the way fakes look.
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Research the production of Tiffany chandeliers. You can examine how the marks and marking system of Tiffany chandeliers changed over time. The marks and marking systems of Tiffany products are not easily recognizable, so you will have to compare books and articles to find viable information.
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Try to find certification that shows whether the chandeliers are actually made from the Tiffany company. Certification typically includes the reference number, which the chandeliers were assigned during the process of filling out orders. In addition, you might find a signature that says Tiffany & Co or Tiffany Studios.
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Ask a local historic preservationist or a historian to help you determine whether your Tiffany chandeliers are real. Grad students might love to take on your project to gain experience. Contact your local college's department of history and historic preservation to find someone to help you.
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Contact the producers of the television shows "Antiques Roadshow" and "Pawn Stars" to see if they are interested in filming you with your chandeliers or helping you assess whether your Tiffany chandeliers are authentic even if you are not filmed for the show.
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Tips & Warnings
Go see authenticated Tiffany glass in person to get an idea of how Tiffany products look. The old Ponce de Leon hotel, which is currently Flagler College of St. Augustine Florida, features Tiffany glass in its dining hall.
Do not buy something claiming to be authentic Tiffany without certification.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Flagler College courtyard- St. Augustine, FL, USA image by LAT from Fotolia.com
