This cane was made from a genuine Louisville Slugger 29-inch baseball bat. It is another tribute to the creativity and resourcefulness of America's reproduction entrepreneurs.

Lots of new cast iron is being copied from period originals, especially Art Deco and Art Nouveau figures. Most of these new pieces, like the candlestick shown here, can be detected by poor quality construction. Feet and hands are particularly good keys to quality because they require sharp detail to appear realistic. New pieces in more complicated shapes are often made in several pieces and welded together. The welded sockets on this new candlestick, for example, are very awkwardly positioned.

The new brass scientific instruments made in India since the late 1990s, are frequently offered in new custom-fitted wood cases.

How to identify originals and detect fakes

ACRN received two separate reports in March describing reproduction Griswold 50 Heart-Star cast iron pans. The 50 is among the most sought after cast iron Griswold pieces with authentic pans selling for $1,250-$1,500.

Many stamps, like the Colombian Exposition issue in Fig. 1, have strong crossover appeal to non-stamp collectors because of the subject matter. The problem is, how do you know what you're buying once you step out of your field? Does a Chicago World's Fair collector/dealer have the experience to evaluate a stamp?

Reproduction Keen Kutter brass padlocks are being reported around the country and on Internet auction sites. Originals sell for $90-$125. The new sample shown above was purchased for $10 at a Western collectibles show and sale.

Sets of reproduction tobacco cards are making the rounds of flea markets and antique shows this winter. ACRN purchased samples printed in sepia (brown) tones and mounted on cardboard for $3 each. Originals sell for $25-$100 and up depending on subjects and company brand.

A second generation of fake FBI wanted posters is already in the market. The main difference between the first generation of fakes and old was that fakes did not have a fingerprint chart. The fingerprint chart is a major feature of originals.

There has recently been a large increase of fake, fraudulent and reproduction Keen Kutter items. Wholesale reproduction importers are mass producing everything from cast iron boot jacks, match holders, hatchets and dealer signs. Do-it-yourself forgers are taking old, unmarked inexpensive clocks, scales and tools by other manufacturers and adding the Keen Kutter name. This article will look at some of the typical fakes and forgeries and outline some tests on how to catch them. Simmons hardware, Shapleigh,Frost Cutlery, Crosly Group, Vaughn & Busnel