Collier Reproductions and Fakes - Who and Why?

Published on December 15, 2022
Duration: 21:23

This video delves into the world of fakes and replicas of Elisha Collier's early revolving firearms, highlighting the motivations behind their creation, from professional challenges to financial gain. It discusses the rarity of authentic Colliers, the methods used by forgers, and the subtle indicators that distinguish genuine pieces from reproductions, such as proof mark placement and screw thread precision. The discussion also touches upon the historical significance of the Collier revolver as the 'fountainhead of all modern revolvers' and the psychological aspects of collecting.

Quick Summary

Authenticating an Elisha Collier revolver involves scrutinizing subtle details like the 'higgledy-piggledy' placement of proof marks, which are often precisely but incorrectly positioned on fakes. The quality of screw threads, the natural accumulation of 'dirt on dirt' in crevices, and the specific selection of wood for the stock are also key indicators of authenticity.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Collier Fakes & Reproductions
  2. 00:30Why Collier Revolvers Are Faked
  3. 01:48The Professional Challenge of Forgery
  4. 02:13Exploiting the Passionate Collector
  5. 02:36Acknowledged Copies vs. Fakes
  6. 03:13Historical Importance of the Collier
  7. 04:03Prevalence of Fakes and Replicas
  8. 04:24Geographic Origin of Fakes
  9. 04:51Current Production of Fakes
  10. 05:05The Importance of Faked Provenance
  11. 05:27The Significance of 'Dirt on Dirt'
  12. 05:53Engineering Challenges in Faking
  13. 06:39Pre-Internet Forgery Challenges
  14. 07:08Example: Misplaced Proof Marks
  15. 07:45Legal Ramifications of Proof Marks
  16. 08:09Collector's Emotional Response to Fakes
  17. 09:14Collier Revolver Market Value
  18. 09:41Cost of Fakes vs. Authentics
  19. 10:14Authentic Collier Prices
  20. 10:33Fakery, Storytelling, and the Club
  21. 11:21Collecting Levels: Commodity vs. Unique
  22. 11:58Collier Collecting as Art Collecting
  23. 12:22Colonial Williamsburg Reproductions
  24. 13:02No Such Thing as a Bad Collier
  25. 13:33Intricacy of Collier Designs
  26. 14:00Fakes with External Copies
  27. 14:19NRA's Acknowledged Fake Example
  28. 14:34Quality of Interior Lock Mechanisms
  29. 14:39Shooting Collier Revolvers
  30. 15:30Shooting a Well-Made Fake
  31. 15:54Magazine Frizzen Mechanism
  32. 16:01Pedersoli's Refusal to Reproduce
  33. 16:40Danger of Reproducing Colliers
  34. 16:51Candidate for Commercial Reproduction
  35. 17:13World of Guns CAD/CAM Models
  36. 17:36Forging a Fictitious Prototype
  37. 17:59From Fakes Discussion to Business Plan
  38. 18:08World of Guns Plotting the Collier
  39. 18:20Chapter on Fakes in 'Clockwork Basilisk'
  40. 18:30The Seriousness of Fakes and Replicas
  41. 18:49Relevance of Studying Faked Provenance
  42. 19:02Learning to Spot Fakes
  43. 19:15Information Scarcity in Copying
  44. 19:22Veracity and Truth in Collecting
  45. 19:31Impact of Spring Replacement on Value
  46. 19:47Details: Dome Shape, Engraving, Wood Selection
  47. 20:01Collier Stock Design
  48. 20:21Biological Horror in Wood Selection
  49. 20:42Further Reading: Clockwork Basilisk
  50. 21:03Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary motivations behind the creation of fake Elisha Collier revolvers?

The creation of fake Elisha Collier revolvers is driven by two main factors: the significant monetary value of authentic pieces, which makes them lucrative targets for counterfeiters, and the professional challenge of successfully deceiving experts and collectors alike. Some forgers also aim to exploit collectors whose passion for owning a rare firearm might override their critical assessment.

How can one distinguish an authentic Elisha Collier revolver from a reproduction?

Authenticating a Collier involves scrutinizing subtle details. Experts look for the 'higgledy-piggledy' placement of proof marks, which are often precisely but incorrectly positioned on fakes. The quality and precision of screw threads, the natural accumulation of 'dirt on dirt' in crevices, and the specific selection of wood for the stock, chosen for its strength against recoil, are also key indicators.

What is the historical significance of the Elisha Collier revolver?

The Elisha Collier revolver holds immense historical significance as it is widely regarded as the 'fountainhead of all modern revolvers.' Its innovative design laid the groundwork for subsequent advancements in revolving firearm technology, making it a fundamentally important piece in the developmental history of firearms.

What is the typical price range for fake Collier revolvers compared to authentic ones?

Acknowledged fakes or 'wall hangers' of Collier revolvers are surprisingly affordable, often found for under $5,000. In stark contrast, authentic, high-end Elisha Collier revolvers can command prices well over $100,000, with some reaching $120,000 or more, especially within private collector circles.

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