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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: cs80 on February 01, 2013, 10:50:02 AM

Title: how to identify fake alligator/crocodile leather
Post by: cs80 on February 01, 2013, 10:50:02 AM

Are there any tips or tricks?

Thanks

Title: Re: how to identify fake alligator/crocodile leather
Post by: mart on February 01, 2013, 01:39:05 PM

Is there something you are wanting to buy ??  That would be really tricky !!

Title: Re: how to identify fake alligator/crocodile leather
Post by: cs80 on February 01, 2013, 02:30:16 PM

Not in particular, I ask because I found something and am curious if it has real reptile skin on it or not.  I don't plan to sell it but would like to know what I have.
I also am curious what the object is, it is a cube made of wood, metal, and reptile leather(probably).  Its about 2 foot by 2 foot by 2 foot and has one pullout drawer on one side and handles on two other sides.  Its not luggage because the drawer has no way to be latched shut.  But why does it have handles?  Ill post a picture when I get home.

Title: Re: how to identify fake alligator/crocodile leather
Post by: mart on February 01, 2013, 03:02:54 PM

Great !!  We really need to see it !! Get one good close-up !!

Title: Re: how to identify fake alligator/crocodile leather
Post by: cs80 on February 01, 2013, 04:02:48 PM

attached some images.  looking at the images up close im thinking its fake now, seems like the indentations are too neatly aligned to be an actual hide.

Title: Re: how to identify fake alligator/crocodile leather
Post by: mart on February 01, 2013, 06:44:39 PM

Does the top have the same on it ??  Pull out the drawer and take a pic of the inside and the dovetails if any ?? 

Title: Re: how to identify fake alligator/crocodile leather
Post by: Rauville on February 01, 2013, 07:37:31 PM

I would agree that it's covered with embossed leather. Does the top open?

Title: Re: how to identify fake alligator/crocodile leather
Post by: mart on February 01, 2013, 08:10:32 PM

Just looked at a number of trunks from Victorian era covered with both croc. and alligator !!  Seems it was very popular !! Would like to guesstimate age on this !!   Where did you get this chest ??

Title: Re: how to identify fake alligator/crocodile leather
Post by: cs80 on February 01, 2013, 10:04:07 PM

thanks. I think its probably a replica of a Victorian trunk then.  I don't think its too old because the interior construction just reveals wood, glue, and some brads, probably fired from a finish nail gun.  its too dark in there to get a picture with detail enough to see the brad holes.  no dovetails though.  the brads might just be for the drawer runners and maybe the frame has biscuits or something. or maybe just the metal clasps on the outside or nails under the leather are holding it together.     I found it at a goodwill.

Title: Re: how to identify fake alligator/crocodile leather
Post by: mart on February 02, 2013, 06:41:29 AM

Could be an Asian repro in that case !! Still I like it and if it is Asian,, skin could possibly be real !!  No absolute way to tell !!

Title: Re: how to identify fake alligator/crocodile leather
Post by: cs80 on February 02, 2013, 10:55:13 AM

yeah I like it too. when I saw it from across the room I rudely pushed past two shoppers to snatch it.  My fiance thinks it looks like a tiny casket.  I'll go with that and use it to store sentimental keepsakes of my families deceased.