The Find
I was looking throughout the Thrift shop when I came across something unusual. I thought at the time, what an unusual, amazing piece. I thought the item I found was silver because it had four hallmarks on the base and had the number 95% on it. On the base there was a made in Thailand label. I was trying to identify the item; it was an incense holder or some sort of oil holder. It was not easy to identify and still not sure what it is. Thinking back to myself, I should have realized that the Thrift would have discovered if it were silver, the store would have sold on a different venue.
I took a chance on it and bought it for 4.00. I thought to myself what an amazing piece. I went online, used Google lens, and searched the hallmarks. I could find nothing about the item.
The Hallmarks
This item was designed to be deceptive. The hallmarks to a lay person would seem to be silver hallmarks, why place hallmarks on an item of no value.
As I discovered much later, but as a reseller you will encounter such items. As a reseller, you must determine if the price is right on the item, to purchase and take a chance on it.
Conversation
I was trying to get information about this item by visiting the .925-1000 silver hallmark website which includes hallmarks from many countries, unfortunately not included was Thailand. I could not find any other silver hallmarks that matched the hallmarks on this item. One of my neighbors believed the item was weighted and may have had no value if other contents were added to the piece. My neighbor was skeptical that it was real, she thinks that most items are made in China and are fakes. I had disagreed with her at the time, not knowing she was right this time.
The Evaluation
I decided to get the item checked out by an expert. I took the item to two separate places in Ocala to find out if it was silver or not. I went to Walt’s Pawn in town, and they have machines that can analyze the content of the object. I gave the salesclerk the item and within minutes told me that it was not silver instead it was 95% tin.
The news was disappointing, but I was determined to get a second opinion to make sure, so I went to Silver City Buyers on E. Silver Springs. The salesclerk checked the item and did a liquid silver test on the item. She told me it was not silver because the liquid bubbled up on the item showing that it was not silver.
So, I finally had my answers and now I knew what the content was. Despite, the disappointment, I now know that I will always get such items in question checked out by experts so I would not have such doubts for a long time.
Conclusion
I have since listed this item on eBay as an incense holder describing it as a tin incense holder from Thailand and explained that the hallmarks are fake and listed as a decorative piece. This was a valuable lesson to learn as a buyer and reseller of vintage items. There are fake and fraudulent items on the market whether it be silver, jewelry, handbags, and art many are designed to deceive buyers.
As a reseller it is your duty to make sure the item being sold is real and not fake. If in doubt get the item checked out by a professional expert in the merchandise category if you plan to resell item. If you plan to keep it get it authenticated for your piece of mind and knowledge of what you have.
Some items are designed to deceive simply learn from your experience and do not feel bad about it. Simply pick yourself up and brush off the dust from the temporary fall. Know that you are not the only one to be taken by a fake item. It only makes you a savvier knowledgeable buyer for the next purchase.
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